Date: Jun 17, 2008

Hofstra University Museum Staff Changes Highlight New Directions in Programming and Outreach

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University Museum Director Beth Levinthal is pleased to announce four new staff changes at the Museum; the promotion of Karen T. Albert to Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Collections and the appointments of Coordinator of Development and Membership Eileen Matte, Museum Education Director Nancy Richner, and Museum Outreach Coordinator Marjorie Pillar.

“The Hofstra University Museum enthusiastically welcomes our talented, experienced, and highly regarded new staff members,” said Director Beth Levinthal. “Each individual will add significantly toward the Museum’s growth of outreach to the community and to the offering of high caliber exhibitions and programs for the public.”

Eileen Matte joins the Hofstra University Museum after working as the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Division of Adult and Continuing Education at LaGuardia Community College. Previously she was a museum educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art where she oversaw all school programs for K-2 students. She began her museum career at the Heckscher Museum of Art, where she held numerous positions culminating in the position of Director of Education and Public Programs. Ms. Matte also served on the board of the New York City Museum Educator’s Roundtable and the conference planning committee of The Continuing Education Association of New York. As the Coordinator of Development and Membership for the Hofstra University Museum, Ms. Matte will work to plan and coordinate a multi-faceted outreach, fundraising and membership program for the Museum. Ms. Matte holds a B.A. in Art History from Fordham University and an M.S. in Education from Long Island University.

Nancy Richner joins the Hofstra University Museum after working most recently as the Program Manager at the Nassau County Museum of Art on Long Island.  Her work experience includes ten years as the Assistant Director of Education at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Ms. Richner is on the Board of the Museum Education Roundtable and was the founding coordinator of the Long Island Arts in Education Roundtable. She served on the faculty of Bank Street College of Education, chaired the New York City Museum Educators Roundtable, and has consulted with numerous museums. In 1993, Ms. Richner was named the National Art Education Association’s Museum Educator of the Year for the Eastern U.S. As the Museum Education Director for the Hofstra University Museum, Ms. Richner is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive set of educational programs for the Hofstra University students and faculty and the community-at-large.

As the Museum’s Education Outreach Coordinator, Marjorie Pillar will work with students and teachers for grades K-12 as part of the Museum’s school outreach program and particularly the JP Morgan Chase Art Travelers through Time: Literacy and History through the Arts at the Hofstra University Museum program. Ms. Pillar began her career as an art teacher and received her M.F.A. in Photography from Long Island University. She has an extensive background as an educator and is currently an Associate Professor in the Art Department of Hofstra University. Her published works have included several authored and illustrated children’s books as well as freelance editorial photography. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in the United States and abroad.

The Hofstra University Museum has been awarded the highest honor a museum can receive, continued accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM). Approximately 5% of museums nationwide have earned this distinguished recognition. Accreditation certifies that the Hofstra University Museum operates according to professional standards, manages its collections responsibly and provides quality service to the public.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 145 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.