After seven years of leading the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC) through historic growth, Executive Director Dr. Rachel M. Miller has announced her resignation. Her last day in the position is Feb. 28.
She has accepted the position of executive director of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, located on the peninsula of Monterey Bay, California.
Lindsey Collins, ASC’s theater programs manager, will assume the interim director role on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
One of Miller’s biggest accomplishments in her tenure is spearheading the $5 million adaptive-reuse project of two historic buildings into the arts and events facilities to complement ASC’s main building. The ARTSpace on Main and ARTWORKS on Main opened in 2021 and doubled the Arts & Science Center’s footprint. The project received numerous architectural awards, including Main Street Arkansas’s Outstanding Adaptive Re-Use Project (2022) and the American Society of Interior Design South Central Chapter: Bronze Award for Adaptive Reuse (2021).
In September 2023, the center launched an all-inclusive brand — the ARTx3 Campus — to converge the center’s three facilities into a single identity.
Troy DeBill, who has served on ASC’s Board of Trustees since 2015 and as Endowment Board chair since 2021, noted Miller’s contributions:
“Under Dr. Miller’s leadership, we experienced unparalleled growth,” DeBill said. “Her vision led to the design and redevelopment of the ARTSpace and ART WORKS buildings. These spaces have changed the downtown landscape, providing a platform for local artists, fostering creativity, and offering innovative programs.”
DeBill continued, “Dr. Miller secured grants, partnerships, and sponsorships, leading to the financial stability and future sustainability of the Arts & Science Center. This allowed us to enhance our facilities, upgrade technology, and broaden the scope of our programming to better serve our community. The visibility and reputation of the museum and ARTx3 Campus has grown. She has elevated our institution to be recognized as a vital contributor to the cultural landscape in Arkansas. As Dr. Miller transitions to new opportunities, we are confident that the foundation she laid will continue to shape the future success of the museum and ARTx3 Campus.”
Miller also led the renovation in 2023 of the Creative Construction Zone, ASC’s tinkering space for children in grades kindergarten through second, and added a large teaching kitchen.
During her tenure, ASC’s programming and staff also expanded. Miller and staff cultivated new community relationships, which resulted in a 60 percent increase in program partners. The center grew its exhibition program; additions included new galleries in the ARTSpace facility and exhibition-based educational programs such as teaching artist residencies. ASC also revitalized its community theater program, increasing the number of productions staged per year and adding a black box theater.
Miller noted, “I will forever be grateful to the Board of Trustees and the Arts &Science Center Endowment Board of Directors for entrusting in me the leadership of this small but mighty museum for the past seven years,” Miller said. “Although it has been a challenge, the experience has been the most rewarding challenge in my professional career. I could not have done it without the support of the ASC team and community. I very much believe that I am leaving the Arts & Science Center stronger as an organization.”
ASC and its executive search committee are accepting applications for the next executive director; potential candidates may apply at artx3.org/careers/executive-director.
“The Arts & Science Center is on track for continued success and growth,” Miller said. “My sincerest hope is that the search committee will find a new director who can embrace this beautiful museum and its community.”
