Elisabeth Engel selected as director for the Arkansas State University Museum

Arkansas State University has selected Elisabeth Engel as the director of Arkansas State University Museum, said Dr. Will McLean, senior vice provost for Academic Affairs and Research on Monday (Aug. 5).

Engel began serving as director in an interim capacity last year. She joined the A-State Museum staff in April 2015 as curator of collections.

Most recently, she led the museum’s successful application for re-accreditation, with the American Alliance of Museums.

“Elisabeth was well-known and respected as a longtime curator in the museum. However, as interim director last year, she took charge of the accreditation process and shepherded us through a difficult transition period also while being proactive, strategic and forward-looking in her decision making,” McLean said.

“In short, as the interim, she nailed the audition. 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,” he said. “The museum serves a vital role on this campus and it has a bright future with Elisabeth in a leadership role.”

“After more than two decades in the museum profession, I am convinced that museums possess the unique power to unite communities in a shared journey of exploration and learning. A-State Museum, established in 1933 by a visionary student body, has always been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich stories, history and heritage of our region,” Engel said.

“My goal is to honor and extend this tradition, ensuring that our museum remains a vibrant center for cultural and historical engagement. With our recent successful reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, we are well-positioned to lay the groundwork for the museum’s next chapter of positive impact.”

For nearly a decade before joining A-State’s staff, Engel was director of collections and exhibits at the Waukesha County Museum in Waukesha, Wis. She began her career at the Circus World Museum in nearby Baraboo, Wis., as curator of artifacts.

A graduate of Truman State University in history, she earned her master’s in historical administration from Eastern Illinois University.

“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 added.