Chair of Art & Design Department Dr. Rebecca Williams earns prestigious Kentucky Art Educator of the Year Award

Murray State alumna Anna Pace wins Elementary Art Educator of the Year

 

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University Associate Professor of Art Education and Department Chair of Art & Design Dr. Rebecca Williams was honored Saturday, Nov. 9 with the Kentucky Art Education Association’s (KyAEA) 2024 Kentucky Art Educator of the Year Award.

Each year, KyAEA members, associates and community members nominate candidates they feel are most deserving of the prestigious Art Educator of the Year Awards. The nominations from these individuals help build a stronger arts focus among schools and districts and within communities across the state of Kentucky.

“Not only does being named the Kentucky Art Educator of the Year affirm the passion and dedication that I have poured into art education, but it also reflects the honor of being chosen by my colleagues, who share my commitment to making a lasting impact on others' lives through art,” said Williams. “This award reflects the work I have done, but also the support that I have had throughout my career from my colleagues, KyAEA, family and friends.”

Williams has been an art educator since 2008 and has been at Murray State since 2015.

Murray State College of Humanities and Fine Arts Dean David Balthrop said students are Williams’ top priority.

“Dr. Williams not only deserves this award, but the award shows what Rebecca brings to our students,” said Balthrop. “She is a dedicated professional and professor. Her students are her priority. It is wonderful that this organization has identified her work with her students and the community.”

One of Williams’ former students, Murray State alumna Anna Pace, also took home a KyAEA award: Elementary Art Educator of the Year. Pace has taught art at North Calloway Elementary School since 2016. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art/teaching certification in the fall of 2015.

“Growing up I always loved art, it was a way for me to connect with myself, calm a busy brain and a lens to better see the world around me,” said Pace. “My love continues now as I see the spark of creativity in my students and watch as the arts serve them in whatever way they’re needing.”

Williams said it’s students like Pace who reinforce why she loves teaching art education.

“I am especially grateful to my students, past and present, who consistently remind me of the transformative power of art,” said Williams. “They are the reason I am here, and it is their curiosity, determination and creativity that fuel my dedication to art education.”

Williams credits her success as an art educator to her colleagues, students, family and friends.

“I have been grateful to grow into my role as a professor of art education and now the Chair of the Department of Art & Design with the support and collaboration of my colleagues at Murray State and beyond,” said Williams. “The work we do together truly makes a difference in the lives of our students and then ripples out to the world through their art, teaching and advocacy. KyAEA warmly welcomed me into their community in my first week in Kentucky in 2015. Through KyAEA, I have been able to make connections across our state with other higher educators and K-12 teachers, and they have also generously encouraged and supported my teacher candidates. Lastly, I could not achieve the work I do without my family and friends. They are my constant in my successes, challenges and over the top ideas! I'm grateful for them continually cheering me on, working alongside me and grounding me through it all.”

KyAEA President Rachel King said several people nominated both Williams and Pace for their awards.