The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University has appointed Marise McDermott as its new executive director. McDermott, who has an impressive history of leadership and dedication to cultural heritage, will take the reins of this significant institution dedicated to preserving the artistic legacy of the Southwest.
Transformational Leadership Experience
Prior to her new role, McDermott served as president and CEO of the Witte Museum in San Antonio for two decades. During her tenure, she spearheaded a remarkable $120 million transformation that expanded the museum’s galleries, archives, and research centers. This initiative contributed to a cultural renaissance along San Antonio’s Broadway corridor, attracting millions of visitors to engage with innovative exhibitions and enriching programs.
Under her guidance, the Witte Museum became a hub for multidisciplinary programming, offering immersive experiences that highlighted the deep history and cultural narratives of Texas. McDermott’s influence extends beyond local initiatives; she has shaped national museum standards as the chair of the accreditation commission of the American Alliance of Museums.
Her extensive experience encompasses scholarship, storytelling, and fundraising excellence. McDermott has successfully directed major capital campaigns, raised transformative philanthropic support, and advanced public humanities initiatives through exhibitions and cultural collaborations. She has also secured competitive federal grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, emphasizing her commitment to expanding access to cultural collections.
A Personal Connection to Cultural Narratives
McDermott’s connection to the mission of The Wittliff Collections is deeply personal. As a writer and editor, she has championed the voices preserved in the TXST archives. Her graduate studies at Texas State University, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, further ignited her passion for the cultural narratives of the Southwest and Mexico. This dedication was recognized in 2016, when she was honored as the university’s Liberal Arts Alumni of the Year.
In her new role, McDermott aims to guide The Wittliff Collections into a period of growth. Her vision includes expanding access to the archives, enhancing the collection’s national profile, and leading capital campaigns and public programming that will shape the future of this esteemed institution. The Wittliff Collections is committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing the region’s literary, photographic, and musical arts while fostering a “Spirit of Place” that resonates globally.
The collections regularly host readings, artist talks, lectures, and exhibitions, making their resources available to researchers at local, national, and international levels. With free admission, The Wittliff Collections welcomes visitors, tours, and classes, ensuring that the cultural legacy of the Southwest is accessible to all.
