The Wichita Art Museum announces the appointment of Molly McFerson as Director of Learning, Engagement and Partnerships (LEAP), a new staff position dedicated to the creation of programming, partnerships and interpretation to ensure the museum is accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all audiences. McFerson starts at WAM on December 5.

In this newly created LEAP position, McFerson will be responsible for innovating how individuals and communities make meaningful connections with WAM’s exhibitions and outstanding collection of American art through a range of experiences, both in-gallery and online. She also will initiate new and foster existing Wichita community partnerships that support the museum in its commitment to create a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible institution.

“Molly’s background in art museums and museum education makes her the right person to lead WAM’s Education Team during this exciting time of new initiatives and growth,” said Director/CEO Anne Kraybill. “Molly will be able to leverage her past experiences to help us continue our mission of making visitors’ encounters with art more meaningful.”

McFerson’s extensive museum experience includes two Dallas-based institutions, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of Art. At the Nasher, McFerson served K-12 students as a Gallery Teacher, piloting the use of iPads as teaching tools on guided tours. At the Dallas Museum, McFerson successfully led a multi-year program, working with the Dallas Independent School District, to make possible a museum visit for every fourth-grade student in the district, impacting 15,000 students annually. She also was the Gallery Programs for Adults Leader at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, planning, implementing, and evaluating adult and intergenerational programs for one of the most comprehensive and well-known museums in the world. Prior to joining WAM, McFerson transitioned to teaching and was the Gifted Facilitator at Derby High School in Derby, Kansas, serving 100 students annually in grades 9-12 and teaching Advanced Placement courses, including Art History, Psychology and U.S. Government & Politics.

McFerson is a Derby, Kansas native, with a master’s in art history from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s in anthropology and art history also from KU. She is available for media interviews. Call Teresa Veazey, public relations manager, at 316-268-4985 or email pr@wam.org.