Maurie McInnis Discusses Art History and Leadership in Charleston

President Maurie McInnis delivered a thought-provoking lecture on leadership through the lens of art history on the evening of October 27, 2024, at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina. This talk was part of the museum’s 14th annual Distinguished Lecture Series, which aims to foster dialogue about the intersection of art and various professional disciplines.

In her presentation, McInnis highlighted how her extensive background in art history has shaped her approach to university leadership. As a respected art historian, McInnis has focused much of her work on the American South, notably through her acclaimed publication, The Politics of Taste in Antebellum Charleston (2005). The book investigates the cultural dynamics of Charleston during the antebellum period, examining the social and political factors that contributed to its reputation as one of the most refined cities in America.

McInnis’s integration of art into her discussions with students has been a hallmark of her leadership style. For instance, during the opening assembly for the class of 2028, she referenced Edward Hopper’s painting Sunlight in a Cafeteria to illustrate themes of isolation and loneliness. Similarly, she used John Trumbull’s The Battle of Bunker’s Hill to highlight compassion amidst chaos for the class of 2025. At this year’s assembly, she compared the “inherent ambiguity” of Winslow Homer’s Old Mill to the uncertainties faced by the incoming class of 2029.

Reflecting on her ties to South Carolina, McInnis shared insights during an interview with the Post and Courier on the same day as her lecture. She noted her time living in Charleston while completing a dissertation on the city’s architectural history and expressed her fondness for Lowcountry cuisine, stating, “As a Southerner whose grandfather was himself a South Carolinian, I can hardly resist an opportunity to enjoy some Lowcountry cooking.”

A university spokesperson, Karen Peart, confirmed that McInnis’s visit was primarily for the lecture, with plans to return to New Haven shortly after. Peart stated that McInnis was invited by the Gibbes in June 2024 to share her unique perspectives on leadership, drawing from her background as an art historian.

The Distinguished Lecture Series has previously featured notable art historians, including Sarah Lewis, a former art critic at Yale School of Art, who was the first art historian to speak at the series in 2023.

The Gibbes Museum of Art did not respond to requests for comment following the event. McInnis’s engaging lecture underscored the valuable insights that art history can provide in understanding and navigating leadership challenges today.