Two students were awarded a special Diversity Stipend from the Missouri Humanities Council and the Missouri Association of Museums and Archives. Sarah Teel and Whitney Mosley were selected from a statewide field of applicants to receive the $1500 stipend for 125 internship hours of service.  Both students are BA in Art History majors with minors in Museum Studies.

Sarah will be interning at the Christian County Museum researching tools within the museum collection with a focus on gender roles, work division in tool use, and how these objects were advertised and sold. The purpose of this research will be to address not only gender diversity but also socio-economic diversity within the Ozarks region.

The History Museum on the Square in Springfield is the site of Whitney’s internship and her application reads, “Over the last four years I’ve studied at MSU, I have been exposed to a world of diverse and prolific art from a variety of cultures—European, Asian, Oceanic, African, Native American, and more. I’ve developed an earnest interest and deep appreciation for these cultures, their artists and artwork, and their complex histories. My aspiration to work in the museum field is primarily driven by my desire to share my knowledge and love of this diverse world of art with others.”

The internship program is designed to provide meaningful work experiences for students from diverse backgrounds interested in the museum profession. The internships will match students with museum and archival sites that will direct, and benefit from, a sponsored internship.

Given the student demand and success of students like Sarah and Whitney who have been minoring in Museum Studies, faculty created a BA in Visual Arts and Culture degree, with an option to major in Museum Studies that begins this fall at Missouri State University. This new degree has options to major in Art History and Studio, as well. For information about this new degree, see the undergraduate catalog description or contact the Art + Design Department.