Chancellor’s Office
(308) 865-8208
Gladys Styles Johnston, Chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and Wallace Richardson, President of the Board of Directors of the Museum of Nebraska Art, have announced the resignation of MONA Museum Director, Ron Roth. Mr. Roth has accepted a position as Director and CEO of the Reading Public Museum in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Chancellor Johnston stated that Mr. Roth has been a valued asset to MONA and to the community of Kearney. “He played a major role in bringing stability to the museum when it was most needed. We will miss his leadership and his vision,” Chancellor Johnston said.
Richardson added that during Roth’s tenure the Board of Directors and staff implemented several projects that substantially improved the scope and care of the museum’s collections. “On behalf of the Board of the Museum of Nebraska Art, I wish Ron well in his new endeavors,” Richardson stated.
Rodney Miller, Dean of the UNK College of Fine Arts and Humanities, also had words of praise for Roth. “In the time Ron Roth has been the director of MONA he has managed to raise it to a new level,” he said. The public is aware of the museum and the museum community is more aware as well. For that, we are indebted to Ron. He will be missed.”
“During my tenure at MONA, I have greatly appreciated the outstanding work and commitment of MONA’s staff, its Board of Directors, the many volunteers, and the UNK community,” Roth said. “MONA is blessed with many wonderful supporters, and I am happy to have collaborated with them on programs which have benefited MONA and future generations of visitors who will visit this special place.” According to Roth, an important factor in accepting the new position was its close proximity to family.
An interim director will be appointed in the immediate future, and a screening committee will be named to assist in selecting a permanent director.
