Melissa Mohr ’04

Mohr has carved an extraordinary path in the museum field, culminating in her appointment as executive director and CEO of the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa, where she previously served as director of museum education.

Her journey began with a spark of interest in visual culture during her first year at Knox, where she connected classical studies to art history. Mohr credits the intimate and encouraging environment at Knox, as well as the guidance from faculty, for helping her identify her passions. A semester studying in Athens offered her the rare chance to observe the work of experts restoring ancient ruins, solidifying her love for art and cultural history.

“I realized that as much as I loved the written classics, the culture of visual art snapped everything into place for me,” Mohr said. 

Initially pursuing graduate studies in art history at the University of Iowa, Mohr took a pivotal pause from her Ph.D. program to work at the university’s museum. This experience opened her eyes to her preference for hands-on museum work over academic research and simultaneously connected her to the Figge Art Museum, where she steadily rose through the ranks ultimately taking on leadership roles that emphasized the intersection of art and community. Now, she oversees a diverse array of responsibilities, from strategic planning to championing the museum’s mission to connect people with art. 

Knox’s art museum studies minor builds on this tradition of success, offering students a formalized pathway to careers in the museum field. Introduced by Professor of Art History Greg Gilbert, the program integrates academic study with practical experience, allowing students to engage deeply with art objects and institutions.

Designed within Knox’s liberal arts framework, the program emphasizes art history’s inherently interdisciplinary nature while offering professional preparation. Through coursework, research opportunities, and partnerships with local institutions, the art museum studies program ensures students are well-equipped for dynamic roles in the evolving museum field.

“Museum culture is a rising part of the industry. I wanted there to be a tangible, professional pathway for students considering art history as a career,” Gilbert explained. “Our alumni have had great success in this field. This minor should help give future graduates a strong step forward.”