Missouri State University’s Dr. Steve Willis of the Department of Art and Design has been named the International Society for Education through Art (InSEA) first ever InSEA Fellow.

“To receive an international award that specifically addresses the quality and durability of research, teaching and service is immensely important,” Willis said. He said he felt honored to be both a recipient and the first awardee.

The award recognizes individuals who have made “significant lifetime contributions to arts education.”

The honor will be announced during the 38th InSEA World Congress July 21-25 at the Palacký University Arts Center in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Willis will attend the event virtually.

Recognizing lifetime commitment to art education

Willis has been an art educator for over 50 years, producing hundreds of presentations, journal articles, chapters and books. In particular, he has worked with Dr. Mousumi De, associate professor at the University of Redlands, who nominated him. The two have co-presented nationally and internationally. They have also worked together on some of Willis’ books.

Department head Vonda Yarberry described Willis’ career as an art educator as “impactful.”

“He teaches students how to teach the subject he loves,” she said. “These students then continue to spread that love to K-12 classrooms throughout the region and beyond.”

His long-time fight for equity, justice, fairness and inclusion in education keeps him motivated, Willis said. He remains committed to modeling and teaching these values to future art teachers.

“I want to stay in the classroom, as there’s much work to do,” he said.