The National Art Education Association has honored Dr. Steve Willis, professor of art education in the Department of Art and Design, with the 2024 Gilbert A. Clark and Enid Zimmerman Leadership Advocacy Award.

The NAEA recognized Willis at its national conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 4-6, 2024.

“It is a great honor to receive this award,” Willis said. “The award is presented to one person a year. To be selected is an outstanding achievement.”

Highlighting commitment to arts advocacy

The NAEA’s 2024 Awards Program Booklet describes the award as honoring “art educators who donate their time, effort, and expertise to advancing art education in all sectors, yet frequently their contributions are not brought to public notice.”

In addition, the award “recognizes a member who in his or her career has evidenced leadership and has effectively promoted and supported art education in local, regional, national and/or international venues.”

Willis said art advocacy remains an important professional goal.

“With 46 years in the classroom, I continue to advocate for the arts at all levels regionally, nationally and internationally,” he said. “A comprehensive curriculum including arts education should be available to every student in every location.”

About the NAEA

Founded in 1947, the National Art Education Association is the leading professional membership organization exclusively for visual arts educators. The mission of the NAEA champions creative growth and innovation by equitably advancing the tools and resources for a high-quality visual arts, design and media arts education throughout diverse populations and communities of practice.

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