September 23, 2013

Following the merger of the Academy of Natural Sciences and Drexel, we announced last spring a new Master of Science degree in Museum Leadership starting in the fall of 2013, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in a wide array of science, history, and cultural museums. The launch of a new academic program is always exciting, but we upped the ante this past summer with the addition of two internationally respected museum leaders to the program’s faculty – former Delaware Art Museum Executive Director Dr. Danielle Rice and The Franklin Institute’s president and chief executive officer Dr. Dennis Wint, with Dr. Rice being appointed our Museum Leadership inaugural Program Director. 

With more than 25 years of experience in designing and implementing innovative new programs to communicate art to the public, Danielle Rice brings a wealth of qualifications as a distinguished advocate for arts education with enormous experience in all aspects of museum management. She has served at the Delaware Art Museum since June 2005, working with its diverse range of members and partners to make the museum more visitor-friendly and community-minded. Before becoming executive director, Rice worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for 19 years, during which time she served as curator of education (1986-1997), senior curator of education (1997-2001) and associate director for programs.   

In September, Dr. Wint – a visionary leader in the museum world –announced he was transitioning from his 19-year tenure at The Franklin Institute. Dennis Wint is internationally known for his museum management expertise and has been recognized with the Association of Science-Technology Centers' Fellow Award for his significant contributions to the advancement of public understanding and appreciation of science and technology. During the 2013-2014 academic year, Wint will serve as a part-time member of the faculty, advising on areas ranging from course and curriculum development to recruiting and community outreach, and he will do limited teaching. Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, Wint will become a full-time member of the Museum Leadership program’s faculty as a teaching professor.