Dr. Alex Rich to Step Down as Executive Director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art for New Role in Charleston, SC
May 21, 2025
Florida Southern College announces that Dr. Alex Rich, executive director and chief curator of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (AGB Museum) and associate professor of art history and museum studies, will depart the College to assume the role of president and CEO of the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC.
Dr. Rich has served Florida Southern for 11 years, beginning as an assistant professor, earning tenure, becoming department chair, and taking on increasing leadership responsibilities at the AGB Museum. Over the past eight years, he has driven sustained progress at the museum, including the recent building expansion and a number of significant exhibitions, as it became one of the most respected academic art museums in the Southeast.
“During his years at Florida Southern College, we have seen Dr. Rich grow as both a scholar and a leader. He began as an assistant professor, earned tenure, and served as department chair before taking on the dual role of chief curator and executive director of the AGB Museum of Art. His impact has been meaningful—both on campus and in the broader community,” says Dr. Jeremy Martin, president of Florida Southern College.
Rich also served as chair of the Department of Art History and Museum Studies and as associate professor of art history, holding the George and Dorothy Forsythe Endowed Chair in Art History and Museum Studies at Florida Southern College.
“My past 11 years at Florida Southern and eight years at the AGB Museum have been the highlights of my professional life. I take this new position in Charleston with great respect and gratitude for the opportunities given to me by the College and the Museum Boards,” says Dr. Rich. “The growth we’ve achieved at The AGB could not have happened without our remarkable team and community of supporters. I look forward to ensuring a smooth transition and cheering on the Museum’s continued success from Charleston.”
Dr. Rich will remain in his role through June to oversee the installation and opening of the upcoming “Frank Lloyd Wright and the College of Tomorrow” exhibition.
A search for the next executive director will launch in the coming weeks.