From editing a renowned art trust to cataloging premier art collections to leading a regional art museum. meet a few Knox College graduates who are thriving in the museum world, leveraging the College's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and practical experiences. The success of Knox alumni highlights the effectiveness of its liberal arts framework in preparing students for diverse roles in art-related careers.

Ruth Evans Lane ’04:

Lane chose Knox for its small liberal arts feel and opportunities to explore diverse interests. Majoring in English while delving deeply into art history, she fostered an appreciation for research and creativity. Her experience studying abroad in London and Florence further broadened her perspective, allowing her to integrate her love of language, literature, and visual art into a cohesive foundation.

Now a senior editor at the J. Paul Getty Trust in Los Angeles, she contributes to one of the world’s premier art institutions editing exhibition catalogs, scholarly collections, and books for general audiences. She has also developed and edited a series of graphic biographies introducing teens to famous artists. The interdisciplinary skills she honed at Knox have been invaluable in her career. “Knox helped form my curiosity and humble approach,” she added. 

Lane also credits Knox for instilling a lifelong passion for exploration and intellectual rigor. She values the liberal arts foundation that encouraged her to connect diverse fields and embrace challenges.

Sandy Guttman ’10:

Growing up in Chicago, Guttman was immersed in the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, which included frequent museum visits. Her initial interest in acting shifted after a religious studies course sparked her curiosity about art history. 

At Knox, Guttman explored diverse subjects, including Baroque and Japanese art, developing a nuanced understanding of how art reflects historical and cultural contexts. These experiences laid the foundation for a career deeply rooted in museum work and visual storytelling.

Guttman gained early professional experience through internships and projects, including cataloging collections at the Galesburg Civic Art Center and traveling to Pittsburgh through the Richter Memorial Fund to research Andy Warhol’s rarely-seen film Horse. These opportunities helped her build a robust portfolio, leading to roles at prestigious institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Hirshhorn Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

“The critical thinking and writing skills I learned are invaluable. Being supported along the way was fundamental. It was a well-rounded education,” Guttman said. 

Joseph Mohan ’03:

Mohan discovered his passion for art history unexpectedly during his first year at Knox College. Initially considering English as a major, he found himself drawn to the visual and analytical aspects of art history after taking an introductory course. This shift aligned with his broader interests in the humanities, cultivated through a childhood appreciation for art and music.

A move to Chicago introduced Mohan to museum work after graduation, including a position at the Museum of Contemporary Art focused on copyright. He eventually joined the Art Institute of Chicago, where he advanced within the publications department. His roles solidified his place in museum publishing, a field that merges scholarship, design, and production.

Now, as the production director for the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Mohan oversees the creation of exhibition catalogues, collections books, and other scholarly materials. His work integrates his love for art, photography, design, and publishing—interests fostered during his time at Knox. 

The process of creating tangible, finished works instilled an appreciation for craftsmanship, which he continues to draw upon in his career. “The process of working toward a finished product you can hold in your hands is something I built an appreciation for at Knox,” he added. 

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.”