Jennifer Reis School of Art, Arts Administration

When did you begin teaching at UNCG?

Fall 2019

What attracted you to the position? Why this university/program? Describe the moment you knew UNCG/CVPA/School was a great fit for you.

The Assistant Professor of Arts Administration position was a great fit for me as it involved my three areas of professional practice: arts entrepreneurship, arts administration, and museum studies. It is not often that a position comes along that seems tailor-made for someone like me who has their hands in many art sectors. When I came to campus pre-interview, I was thrilled to see the Weatherspoon Art Museum as well as students engaging in campus spaces. You could feel the positive energy!

Favorite course or subject matter to teach and why?

I love teaching art and creative entrepreneurship, especially when it incorporates social sector impact. The culture of UNCG that embraces entrepreneurship and student action has been foundational – the students I mentor are ready and excited to work in this area.

What makes UNCG, CVPA or your School special? Why do you think students should choose us?

From my perspective UNCG, CVPA, the School of Art, and the Arts Administration Program are all focused on active and collaborative teaching, learning, and action. I am constantly impressed by the intellectual and creative curiosity of the students as well as their interest in community and social impact. The orientation of our faculty to teaching, mentoring, and accessibility to students is a strong value which I believe is a defining difference of UNCG. The culture of the university builds cohorts of students who are ready to launch their careers AND build a better world.

Favorite memory at UNCG?

I loved being on campus in early Fall 2019 near the EUC and walking through the “street fair” environment of all the student and university organizations represented. It was so energizing and exciting to see everyone out and about engaging with what UNCG has to offer.

Advice for future students who want to be successful?

Take advantage of every opportunity you get, and do not be afraid to put yourself out there and treasure every experience. Allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone, and sometimes you have to get out of your head and out of your own way!

If you were a student in your program now, what would you do differently from your actual undergraduate experience or what might you pursue that you didn’t?

I would put myself in situations that seems “out of my lane”, especially in regards to student leadership roles. In my BFA Studio Art Program, I often worked solo even though much of my professional experience in the arts has been collaborative in nature. Learning to work with others early on would have been helpful as an emerging arts professional.

Most proud career moment or experience:

Having the motivation, initiative and project management experience to bring in internationally renowned artists to my former university in Eastern Kentucky for the benefit of undergraduate and graduate students who typically would not have an experience to engage with creatives working at that level.

If you have an intriguing research, collaboration or community-based project you want to share about, please do so in this space.

My research focus is on creative entrepreneurship education for adult learners across the US. I am passionate about the impact that cohort-based training programs can have in transforming creative practice into sustainable ventures as well and community and economic development impact particularly in under resourced places.

Is there anything else you believe is important and would like to share with prospective students?

UNCG, and the School of Art plus the Arts Administration Program is fertile ground for you to grow and thrive with the structure of excellent curriculum and a caring, supportive faculty!