Graduate Student Alumni Spotlight

Art History MA

Student Name:  Morgan Ward

Program: Art History

Hometown: Athens, TX

Undergraduate Institution: UT Tyler

Graduation Year: 2015

Why did you choose to attend UT Tyler?

I initially chose to attend UT Tyler because I was accepted into the University Honors Program and received a fair number of scholarships in my undergraduate years. Both of these things were especially helpful in being able to attend college, for without them, I am not entirely sure I would have been able to fund it. While I was here, however, I learned just what fantastic programs and opportunities the university had to offer. I especially loved the guidance I was given in the art history program and combined with everything else I decided to remain here for my Master’s degree as well.

What are your career goals and how does your graduate program support them?

Ultimately I aim to pursue my doctorate degree in art history. I strongly feel that my graduate program supports this. Aside from having wonderful faculty who are easily accessed to provide the necessary guidance, the department of art and art history has numerous other opportunities to supplement my degree. Considering that I’ve been at UT Tyler since my undergraduate degree, I have been able to intern at the Tyler Museum of Art in the registrar department in the fall semester of 2014. In addition, for the past three years, I have been a member and officer of the art history club that we founded in order to organize an art history symposium every spring at the university.

This has been a wonderful experience as there are not many chances for undergraduates to present at a professional level conference and helping with this has been fantastic. It has also helped me understand what the process is like for such events and I plan to submit an abstract for a graduate level symposium at the University of Oregon this month. Finally, as a graduate assistant to the department, I am able to supplement and put into practice my own knowledge of art history and obtain classroom and grading experience. Acting as a teaching assistant in both Art History Survey I and II has taught me what to expect when I eventually hope to become a professor myself and is invaluable to my future career goals. In addition, the position of graduate assistant also provides very much needed financial aid and there continues to be scholarship opportunities through the university, something which is exceedingly helpful in continuing my education.

What do you like most about UT Tyler?

The faculty and student body is what I like most about UT Tyler. The faculty is very supportive of its students, undergraduate and graduate alike, no matter which department you are in. They are easily accessible for any research and professional questions. This is something that I do not feel like every university has and it is extremely important to me to have this. In addition, we have a great student body that supports each other within the art department, creating a cohesive community that pushes each person to do their best and consider the world of art in new ways.

Find out more about our Master of Art History degree