What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Dr. Kelly Wacker, professor of art.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I grew up in the Western U.S. — my home state is Colorado and some of my childhood was spent in California. I currently live in Montevallo.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
My B.A. in art history is from Colorado State University. I received an M.A. in art history from Bowling Green State University, where I wrote my thesis on the intertextuality of fiction and art in surrealist Leonora Carrington’s work. My Ph.D. in art history was awarded from the University of Louisville, and my dissertation was on women in land art with a focus on Alice Aycock, Nancy Holt and Mary Miss.
How long have you worked here?
I am in my 22nd year of teaching at UM.
What brought you to Montevallo?
The opportunity to teach art history.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
The people in my department and across campus. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive environment. Many of my colleagues at other institutions are jealous.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
One of my high points has been being a part of the Environmental Studies Faculty Council and team-teaching an interdisciplinary class on art and zoology with Dr. Jill Wicknick, associate professor of biology. Peak experiences included teaching biology students how to draw and art students how to identify birds and insects, getting all of them out into nature (including a field trip to Dauphin Island Sea Lab), watching them work collaboratively on projects and knowing they developed a deeper understanding of how art practice, art history and the natural sciences play well together.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
It’s not a single accomplishment, but more of a dynamic. I’m proud to be able to teach art history in ways that are meaningful to students and responsive to emergent trends in the discipline of art history. Working in tandem with my art history colleague, Dr. Catherine Walsh, we’re able to teach on the pedagogical leading edges of our field. Additionally, I’ve had some proud moments bringing notable visitors to campus to speak and meet with students, including Mel Chin, Pam Longobardi and Dr. J. Drew Lanham.
Are you currently working on or have you recently completed any interesting projects?
I’m currently writing the biography of a little-known Colorado artist, Newt Thomas, and I’ve been working with the Lyons Redstone Museum to better document and care for their collection of his artworks. You can learn more about the public-facing project at newtthomas.org.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
I belong at Montevallo because I strongly believe in the value of a liberal arts education on a small campus where I am able to get to know my students as individuals while helping them develop breadth of knowledge and the critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond college.
