Texas A&M University Hires John Spriggins As Director of University Art Galleries

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Feb. 10, 2025 – Texas A&M University’s executive director of Campus and Community Enrichment, Dr. Scott Shafer, has named John Spriggins as the director of the University Art Galleries, which comprises the J. Wayne Stark Galleries and the Forsyth Galleries, both open to the public and located inside the Memorial Student Center.

Since 2017, Spriggins has served as the general manager of the City of Dallas’ South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC), working as curator of exhibitions at the Arthello Beck Gallery and as general manager of the Juanita J. Craft House and Museum, co-leading the historic home’s rehabilitation and re-opening in 2023. Spriggins has been instrumental in the city’s cultural affairs development in the areas of strategic planning, budgeting, revenue growth, exhibition curation, community engagement and programming.

An artist and former arts faculty member with the Dallas and Tarrant County College District, Spriggins also served as interim curator for the African American Museum of Dallas and worked as gallery director for the Dallas College District, working as a cultural steward for Richland College. He also represented District 7 as an arts and culture commissioner.

Shafer said Spriggins’ hands-on work within the arts – from facilities management to collections management to donor relations – and his desire to unite communities and artists make him ideal to oversee the University Art Galleries’ mission, which seeks to provide impactful visual arts experiences to campus and regional community audiences.

“Texas A&M University is fortunate to have Mr. Spriggins joining the Campus and Community Enrichment team,” Shafer said. “In his previous role, he consistently worked to engage the community through programming and the curation of meaningful exhibitions.”

Catherine Hastedt, who served as director of the University Art Galleries since 1991, announced her retirement, effective December 2024. Spriggins’ tenure begins Feb. 10, 2025.

Spriggins expressed his eagerness to work with the staff to develop programming for the campus and community.

“I am honored to be leading the galleries at Texas A&M, and I look forward to working with staff to develop exciting exhibition programming for the university and the greater community,” Spriggins said. “Art has the power to transform, inspire, educate and entertain—these core principles will shape our approach to future gallery programming.”

Spriggins added: “My goal is for everyone to feel a deep connection to the galleries, making them a welcoming destination for all.”

Spriggins has a track record of serving on arts boards and committees, partnering with key arts organizations, leading steering committees and securing funding for the progression of arts and community development.

“John has a wealth of experience in developing partnerships,” Shafer said. “His experience in community outreach through art will serve us well.”

In his work to restore the Juanita J. Craft House and Museum, Spriggins partnered with the City of Dallas, the National Park Service and others to secure $1.4 million for reconstruction and exhibition design. In addition, he initiated the Juanita J. Craft Artist Residency program, supporting more than 12 artists.

At the African American Museum of Dallas, Spriggins worked alongside donors, Dallas ISD and other museums to advance the institution’s mission. At the same time, he was curating renowned artists and programs for the community.

Dawn Hammatt, director of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, served as a member of the search committee for the directorship position.

“I am excited to welcome John to the Texas A&M community,” Hammatt said. “He brings innovative ideas for community engagement and is planning several ways to create multidisciplinary programs for the university. His enthusiasm and passion will invigorate all guests of the museum.”

About Texas A&M University Art Galleries
The Texas A&M University Art Galleries comprises the J. Wayne Stark Galleries and the Forsyth Galleries in the Memorial Student Center. Both galleries are open to the public Tues.–Fri., 9 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sat.–Sun., noon–6 p.m. Admission is always free.

Media Contact
Molly Painter, Campus and Community Enrichment, communications manager, mollypainter@tamu.edu

###