Search for new leader for UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures begins

JUNE 1, 2022 — The University of Texas at San Antonio today announced a national search for an associate vice provost for public engagement & research/chief curator for the Institute of Texan Cultures.

In 2021, UTSA launched the ITC Centennial 2068 visioning and community engagement process to envision the next 50 years of the Institute of Texan Cultures, the only resource in Texas entirely devoted to our state’s rich cultural heritage, with appointment of a steering committee and three task forces focused on museum programming, community outreach and considerations relative to the museum site and facility.

The steering committee has been reviewing task force recommendations, which were published earlier this spring, to develop feasible scenarios for the future of the ITC. Their final scenarios are expected to be available for public feedback in mid-June.

“We are excited to begin the next step of identifying a leader who can successfully move that vision forward to capitalize on all the assets of the institute .”

“Throughout our comprehensive, community-driven visioning process, we have been energized by this tremendous opportunity to shape the way Texas preserves and shares the story of its rich cultural heritage,” said Kimberly Andrews Espy, UTSA provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Now, as we near completion of the visioning process to define a long-term vision for the ITC, we are excited to begin the next step of identifying a leader who can successfully move that vision forward to capitalize on all the assets of the institute and its museum to create engaging new experiences for our Texas communities.”

A search advisory committee composed of community stakeholders and UTSA faculty, staff and student representatives will be chaired by Glenn Martinez, dean of the UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts and ITC Centennial 2068 Visioning Task Force member. ITC Interim Head Curator Veronica Rodriguez of the UTSA Libraries will serve as co-chair.

The search will be assisted by executive search firm Koya Partners Diversified Search Group and Koyamanaging director Naree W.S. Viner. Founded in 2004, Koya has conducted over 1,000 executive searches for mission-driven organizations across the U.S. and around the world. Viner is regarded as one of the leading search consultants in the field, and she has particular expertise in working with art museums and cultural institutions.

She has worked with regional, national and international art, education and social service organizations to identify and recruit executive talent and has placed many accomplished museum directors across the U.S. Clients include Harvard Art Museums; Museum of the City of New York; SFMOMA; the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Museum of American History, and National Portrait Gallery; Smart Museum of Art (University of Chicago); University of Michigan Museum of Art; and Yale University Art Gallery.

The search will begin this summer and will continue through selection and onboarding in early spring.

— Rebecca Luther