By Salisa Wellenreuther | Skyline
The Museum of the Big Bend has served as a home to many artifacts and historic materials, but a new addition has been affixed to the collection.
Hailing from Lubbock, Dr. Emily Wilkinson has accepted the role of director and began work in January. A graduate of Texas Tech University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies, a teaching certification, a master’s degree in Museum Science, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Research.
Dr. Wilkinson’s qualifications are highlighted by her experience working at various museums, in archeology, and by her previous position as the Executive Director of the Public Art Program for the Texas Tech system. She has been very engaged in her communities and is passionate about educating the public about art. Her wide array of skills and credentials are expected to be a wonderful asset to MOBB.
Fathered by a cowboy poet, Dr. Wilkinson is familiar with Alpine and Big Bend. “It’s always been such an amazing museum that I loved visiting, and the town and Sul Ross are so beautiful,” she says.
“It’s always been such an amazing museum that I loved visiting, and the town and Sul Ross are so beautiful,” she says.
Her adoration for the area prompted her to apply for the position, which was left open by the retirement of long-time director Mary Bones and then Dr. John Klingemann, who is now the Vice President for Development and Advancement.
Dr. Wilkinson recognizes the dedication Sul Ross has to the museum of and deeply appreciates the university’s sense of community and support for their partners and says she does not expect to step in and disrupt the equilibrium right off the bat.
She plans on observing the flow of the museum and getting to know the staff before implementing changes, if any, though she does intend to seek more involvement from the Sul Ross community and immerse students in the programs and culture by making the museum more interesting and exciting. She expressed interest in implementing more initiatives for all age groups, including education opportunities for adults.
Dr. Wilkinson is optimistic about the future of the Museum of the Big Bend. “It has such a neat story – all the different things that it talks about, the new art space. It’s just a great building and an amazing collection.”
Photo: Dr. Emily Wilkinson
Salisa Wellenreuther, El Paso, is a sophomore English major.