The Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Mitzi Kirkland-Ives as head of the Department of Art and Design.

Kirkland-Ives has served as interim department head since August 2025. She joined Missouri State as an assistant professor in art and design in 2009. Specializing in art history, she earned her doctorate from University of California-Santa Barbara and has published multiple books and articles on the subject. Her latest book is “Hans Memling and the Merchants.”

RCASH Dean Shawn Wahl said he was thrilled Kirkland-Ives has joined the Reynolds College leadership team.

“Mitzi brings extensive leadership experience and continuity to the art and design department, one of the largest and most complex academic programs in the School of the Arts,” Wahl said. “She also possesses a broad set of advocacy skills that benefit students, faculty, staff and the arts community.”

Kirkland-Ives is looking forward to continuing her role as department head.

“The range of responsibilities is part of what makes the position so interesting to me,” she said. “The department is large and complicated, with a lot of moving parts in terms of facilities and programming and curriculum. Every day brings a completely new and interesting puzzle to crack.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to think strategically and come up with creative solutions to help the students, faculty and staff achieve their goals,” she added.

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