Art Center Stands Strong: Director Keeps His Post Amid Campus Shake‑Up

University vs. Art Center: The Fight Over Director Scott Propeack

A sudden clash erupted last week when the university tried to fire the art center’s director, Scott Propeack. The museum’s board was shocked but refused to let the move go through, declaring that Propeack would stay in charge.

The university admitted it had overstepped but said it will no longer pay part of his salary. From now on, the art center must cover him entirely. The fight has ended for now, but it shows a growing split between the museum and the university.

“The board will take full responsibility for paying Propeack,” a spokesperson from the art center said.
“The university will only use its own funds to compensate him.”

Propeack was hired by the museum in 1997 and rose through many roles, becoming executive director in February 2023—a position shared by the museum and the university. Last year he earned about $155,000 from the university and a total of roughly $180,000 with the museum’s help.

The removal attempt happened just before the university’s new president, Jennifer Burris, began her term. The former interim president, Bonita Durand, had sent a note saying Propeack was “reassigned.” The note did not explain why he was let go, and the university declined to comment.

The museum’s board chairman, Greg Hyatt, said keeping leadership stable was vital for the museum’s mission and community. He praised the staff and thanked supporters who stayed loyal during the dispute.

The art center serves more than 55,000 visitors each year and holds works by over 800 regional artists. It also has the world’s largest public collection of Charles E. Burchfield paintings.

The museum and university are closely linked. The center moved from a campus hall to its own $33‑million building in 2008, still on university grounds. The disagreement highlights how their relationship is changing.