The first female director in the 50-year history of the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College will take the helm in February.
Shelby Tisdale comes to the center from the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, where she was vice president for curatorial and exhibitions.
“What sparked my interest in this position is that I see the Center of Southwest Studies as being at the crossroads where the interpretation of human history and historic preservation are debated and discussed in an environment that is respectful to both ideological and cultural differences,” Tisdale said.
Tisdale holds degrees from the University of Colorado, the University of Washington and the University of Arizona. Her areas of expertise include anthropology and archaeology, particularly the Southwest. She also has worked in repatriation and museum direction.
Before going to the Autry, she served as executive director of the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, New Mexico, and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology in Santa Fe.
“The Center of Southwest Studies has always been a wonderful partnership between the college, Durango and many other communities and organizations across the Southwest,” FLC President Dene Thomas said. “Dr. Tisdale’s job will be to build on the good foundation that past directors have already laid.”
Tisdale was preceded in the position by Jay Harrison, who had led the center since 2012. He left FLC to take a teaching position at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. The center celebrated its 50th anniversary during Harrison’s tenure, which included a number of national conferences and traveling exhibits.
Tisdale was selected after an extensive process that included bringing in four finalist candidates to meet the community.
“My vision for the Center of Southwest Studies is a community that knows and celebrates the cultural heritage of the Southwest through a deeper understanding and respect for its diverse peoples and cultures through scholarly research, stewardship of the collections, exhibitions, programs and public outreach,” Tisdale said.
“I envision the center as a safe place where multiple voices and opinions can be shared openly that will lead to a common ground and the creation of potential solutions to some of the most pressing issues we are facing today as they relate to the environment, society and heritage preservation.”
Tisdale will begin her new duties Feb. 1.
abutler@durangoherald.com
