Nan Selz to Retire from Museum of Discovery

Nan Selz will retire as executive director of the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock’s River Market District, the museum announced Friday.

Selz will stay on through the remainder of 2012. The museum’s board of trustees has begun looking for a replacement.

"Nan has been an integral part of the Museum’s success, having led a major renovation process with the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, board of trustees and staff, ultimately leading to the science center’s re-opening in January 2012," museum board chair Bruce Cross said in a news release. "She leaves a legacy of change and innovation."

Selz took over at the museum in February 2004. Under her direction, the museum completed a $9.2 million, 13,000-SF renovation and expansion in 2011. The renovation included the addition of a 4,500-SF entrance hall off Clinton Avenue, affording the museum much more visibility to the public. Previously, visitors had to enter the museum through an office building.

"Before I ever thought about working here, I visited the Museum of Discovery with my oldest grandson, Josh," Selz said in the release. "It was then, and remains, a wonderful place for families to play and learn together. I will miss the energy and enthusiasm of our wonderful staff and board, but I am leaving this place in great hands. And I will, of course, be back as a visitor quite often."

The Museum of Discovery is Little Rock’s oldest museum, dating to 1927, and focusing on science, math and technology.