Elizabeth Williams’ smile speaks volumes. When Elizabeth graduated with her BS HES in interior design, her passion for design was just beginning to blossom. Elizabeth worked as a designer and then worked as a research intern and assistant curator at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts. She continued to advance herself with a Master of Arts in Art History at UMKC and a PhD in Art History at KU. Meanwhile, she continued to have outstanding job experiences at the Harry S Truman National Historic Site and as Assistant Curator at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Elizabeth is now the David and Peggy Rockefeller Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

What helped you from MU’s Architectural Studies?

“There are particular skills and knowledge acquired through my MU design degree and subsequent practice that have been extremely beneficial with regard to my museum career. They include project management, ability to conceptualize and organize spatial requirements and needs with regard to exhibition planning and installation, knowledge of historical and contemporary materials and their characteristics, knowledge of architectural history and principles, and understanding of construction techniques.”

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Elizabeth Williams
Curator of Decorative Arts and Design Rhode Island School of Design