By TODD GOTTULA
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Marilyn Hadley of Kearney has accepted an appointment as interim director of the Museum of Nebraska Art. She begins her temporary duties July 1 and will lead the museum through Dec. 31.
She replaces Audrey Kauders, who is retiring after 17 years as MONA’s director. University of Nebraska at Kearney Chancellor Doug Kristensen and MONA Board Chairman Bob Culver announced Hadley’s appointment today.
“I’m looking forward to working with the terrific staff in place and getting to know MONA in a different way,” said Hadley, who is president elect on the MONA board, which she has served on the past 10 years. “It will be fun to learn more about the collection and how we operate on the inside as a museum. This is a welcome growth experience for me.”
A native of Red Cloud and Kearney resident, Hadley is a longtime educator and former dean of UNK’s College of Education. Since retiring in 2006, she has been engaged in community service, particularly in activities related to humanities, education and the arts.
She has served as president or chair of many notable charitable entities, including the Nebraska Foundation for the Humanities and the Legislative League.
Hadley currently is a member of the Nebraska Cultural Endowment Board, commissioner for the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission and member of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s board of counselors, a statewide citizen advisory group.
Opened in October 1986, MONA houses the official art collection of the state of Nebraska, which includes more than 5,000 pieces. The museum is governed by a statewide board of directors in collaboration with UNK. MONA also hosts cultural events, hands-on workshops and an annual spring student art show, among many other events and activities.
“MONA is a wonderful resource I hope more people will continue to discover,” Hadley said. “We have 20,000 visitors a year and a very active program for children that highlights our state’s heritage through visual arts.”
New Hampshire-based Gail Nessel Colglazier has been hired to perform the executive search for a full-time director.
