We were thrilled to hear from Art Department alumna, Susan R. Elson, that she was seleted by her peers to win the Missouri Art Education Association's "Missouri Art Educator of the Year" award.  Ms. Elson will receive the award at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) National Convention in Fort Worth Texas this coming March.    We will include the press release from the National Art Education Association below.  Congratulations, Susan!

If you are an alum and have news to share with us, please contact us at art@truman.edu.

PRESS RELEASE

Susan R. Elson (1984) is selected as Missouri Art Education Association Art Educator of the Year. Susan Elson lives in Linneus, Missouri with her husband Greg (1983), who teaches at Kirksville Middle School. They are both graduates of NMSU (Truman State University).  Having sent her two children, Michael and Rachel off to college she is now dedicated to teaching and doing her own art. 

She has taught in the Chillicothe School District for 13 years, this being her 28th year in education. As a classroom teacher, Susan is known for engaging students in experiencing art in a deep and meaningful way, while respecting and encouraging their creative growth and development. Susan's  students participate in art shows and competitions both at the local and state levels. Her students also participate in the international humanitarian effort, the Memory Project. 

 She has been very active in the Missouri Art Education Association, having served as a council member for several years before assuming the Presidency from 2006-2008.  Under Susan’s leadership, the Association saw its student membership increase, communications become more streamlined and efficient, and volunteerism increase as she provided opportunities and encouraged members to become more involved.

Susan continued that passion onto the National level, having participated in Western Region activities and committees, presenting at National conventions, and running for office. She currently advocates on behalf of Missouri art educators as a Past President and Student and First Year chair.

Susan is also an accomplished practicing visual artist, actively participating in shows and juried exhibitions. Her one-woman show Exhibition of Souls featured  paintings and sculptures.  Most notably having  had a painting exhibited at the Albright Kemper Museum of Art, winning an Honorable Mention for her work.