Arkansas State University has promoted Elisabeth Engel to director of the Arkansas State University Museum.
Engel had held the role on an interim basis since June 2023. She joined the A-State Museum staff in April 2015 as curator of collections. Most recently, Engel led the museum’s successful application for reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.
“In short, as the interim, she nailed the audition,” Will McLean, senior vice provost for academic affairs and research, said in a news release. “Through her work with administrators, staff, faculty, advisory committee members and external partners, it became obvious she was the choice to lead the museum going forward. The museum serves a vital role on this campus and it has a bright future with Elisabeth in a leadership role.”
Before joining A-State, Engel was director of collections and exhibits at the Waukesha County Museum in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She began her career at the Circus World Museum in nearby Baraboo, Wisconsin, as curator of artifacts.
Engel graduated from Truman State University with a degree in history. She earned her master’s in historical administration from Eastern Illinois University.
The A-State Museum is the largest and most comprehensive museum in northeast Arkansas, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. It holds significant historic, archaeological, and natural history collections hailing primarily from Arkansas.
Engel said in a statement that her goal as museum director is to continue “preserving and sharing the rich stories, history and heritage of our region.”
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in this leadership role and extend my sincere thanks to Chancellor Todd Shields, Provost Calvin White Jr., and Senior Vice Provost McLean for their trust and support,” she said.
Sign up for Daily E-news
