UA School of Art names new director

Rachel Debuque is the new director of the University of Arkansas’ School of Art in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Debuque, who previously was associate director at George Mason University School of Art, began the new job July 1.

“We are excited to welcome Rachel to the University of Arkansas at such an important time in the history of both Fulbright College and the School of Art. Her experience, leadership, attention to student and faculty success, vision and collaborative spirit will be put to good use in leading the School of Art forward,” Laura Jacobs, chief of staff and search committee chair, said in a statement. “I’d also like to extend my gratitude to the members of the search committee and the School of Art community for their steady and thoughtful participation throughout the search.”

Debuque’s total pay will be $220,000 a year plus benefits. She follows Endowed Associate Professor of Art Education and Assistant Director of the School of Art Christopher Schulte who was asked to serve a one-year term as interim director during the search for a new director. Schulte moved to associate dean for Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences on July 1.

In 2017, the School of Art received a $40 million gift from the Windgate Charitable Foundation to create the art and design district that serves students, faculty, artists, designers and the community. An additional $30 million partial challenge grant from the foundation in 2021 expanded the scope of the project. Construction started in late 2020, and doors opened officially in January 2023.

The UA School of Art includes three graduate programs and enrollment has grown from 300 to more than 600 students.

According to the UA, Debuque has experience working with “artist-driven, grassroots organizations,” and is interested in experimental approaches to art.

“Students are navigating a rapidly shifting cultural landscape and attend college for a variety of reasons. We should be responsive to their goals while providing educational environments that are accessible, engaged and psychologically healthy,” said Debuque. “With the school’s foundation in place, we can increase our focus to empower and prepare students to be innovative stewards who are ready to create positive change in their communities.”

Debuque’s exhibitions include The Cue Foundation in New York City, Vox Populi in Philadelphia, and the ICA in Baltimore. She was an artist in residence at The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and received the Southern Constellations Fellowship at Elsewhere: A Living Museum. She received a Maryland State Arts Grant for Sculpture and the 2018 and 2023 Robert K. Purks Faculty award. Her work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Daily Serving, Washington City Paper, Bmore Art, Maake Magazine and ART 21 Magazine.

She received a master’s degree in fine arts at the University of Georgia and bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.