Nancy Doll, former Weatherspoon Art Museum director, was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by UNC Greensboro Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. on Oct. 19 at a small University event. Since 1963, this prestigious recognition has been reserved by North Carolina’s governors as their highest honor for those who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
“Through her influence, the Weatherspoon has become nationally recognized for its collection and thoughtful exhibitions. The museum became a prominent anchor institution in the greater Greensboro community during her tenure. And it enriched the education of thousands of students through her careful integration of art into curricula across the campus,” said Chancellor Gilliam.
Governor Roy Cooper conferred The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award in recognition of Nancy Doll’s 22 years of service to UNCG and art communities within the Triad and throughout North Carolina. Doll retired in July of 2020.
“Nancy Doll’s decades of visionary leadership at the Weatherspoon ushered in a new era for the arts at UNCG as well as the wider Greensboro community. Her induction into The Order of The Long Leaf Pine, our state’s highest honor, is well-deserved recognition for an exemplary record of transformational public service,” said Senator Michael K. Garrett.
Under Doll’s leadership, the Weatherspoon’s galleries, collection, attendance, and programs thrived and grew. Her arts education initiatives included collaborations with various academic departments within the University and actively engaging K-12 students and teachers. She was also instrumental in garnering critical financial support for the museum from a wide range of local and national foundations during her time at the helm.
“Nancy Doll’s promotion of arts education and community engagement, as well as her advocacy for diverse artists, illustrates her dedication and service to North Carolina,” commented N.C. Arts Council Executive Director Wayne Martin.
Doll’s steadfast leadership resulted in the Weatherspoon’s recognition around the country as a model for community-engaged art and active promotion of the inclusion of female artists and artists of color. After Doll’s departure, the museum continues to strive for equity and inclusion. Leading Together 2021-2024 is the Weatherspoon’s new Racial Equity Plan, designed to guide the museum’s broader work toward equity, diversity, and inclusion and inform its future institutional strategic planning, policy development, and museum practices now and into the future.
Story by Rachel Kelly, Advancement Communications
Photography by Mike Micciche
