Annette LeZotte began Sept. 8 as the new director of Kauffman Museum.
LeZotte earned her doctorate in art history from University of Texas at Austin and taught at Wichita State University for 12 years.
Her publications focus on art of the Northern European Renaissance and decorative painting. Her book, The Home Setting in Early Netherlandish Paintings, was published by Edwin Mellen Press in 2008.
LeZotte worked at the Wichita Art Museum, where she developed educational programming and curriculum and curated special exhibitions featuring British watercolors, art by Josef Albers and Guy Wiggins and quilts from the WAM permanent collection.
Judge Richard Walker ’70, chair of the director search committee, said, Dr. LeZotte brings an exceptional combination of experience and enthusiasm to the position, which impressed the committee. We believe she is exactly the right person to lead the unique cultural treasure called Kauffman Museum into the future.
In addition to Walker, members of the search committee were Rosalind Andreas ’63, Glen Ediger ’75, Bob Regier ’52, Kathy Schroeder ’77, David Stucky ’05, Brad Born ’84, vice president of academic affairs, and Andi Schmidt Andres ’84 representing Kauffman Museum staff.
Kauffman Museum at Bethel College is blessed to have a devoted staff, a dedicated corps of volunteers, and faithful patrons who have supported its collections and programs over the years,
said LeZotte.
I’m honored that the search committee and museum board have invited me to join this community and I look forward to working together to cultivate the Kauffman Museum as a rich and vital educational and cultural resource.
LeZotte will oversee all museum operations, including marketing, fundraising and coordinating exhibitions.
She replaces Rachel Pannabecker ’80, who served as director for 17 years. Pannabecker has returned to collections management at the museum as part of her transition to retirement.