Leanne K. Gilbertson, Ph.D.

LeanneStudents and colleagues laud her creativity, generosity and commitment to helping students develop skills, identify stakes in what they are learning and understand how what they learn will apply in the real world.

Dr. Leanne Gilbertson was awarded with this year’s Winston and Helen Cox Fellowship Award, an honor her nominators say is deserving because of her ability to transform and reveal new potential for MSU Billings and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Assistant Professor in the Art Department since 2013, Leanne’s primary role is the Director of Northcutt Steele Gallery. In addition to instructing two courses a semester, she mentors, trains, supervises students working and learning in the Gallery.

In the past six months, Leanne has curated seven professional exhibitions and numerous receptions, artist talks, workshops and community outreach efforts, many of which are international, collaborative projects creating opportunities for students to work in multidisciplinary teams. In the process, students gain first-hand experience in real-world settings, learning to engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

“Her commitment to the Gallery benefits everyone on campus as well as in our community,” a colleague said.

She is equally as committed to her students, continually developing new courses, two of which—American Indian Art and Gallery Professional Practices—were creatively tied to the Gallery. Students respond passionately and enthusiastically, often equating her courses and internship opportunities with the gallery to a transformative experience.

Her colleagues concur: “Leanne’s contributions to MSUB and her department are remarkable.”

She initiated last year an ambitious study abroad course, “Venice Biennale and Contemporary Art,” in Italy which students described as "a life-changing experience." The trip involved visits to museums in Rome and Venice as well as studio visits with notable contemporary artists. The course initiated a relationship with the Pieve International School in Corciano, with plans to develop the program further.

She maintains a strong record of publication in addition to all her instructional and service activities. She is currently working on a book manuscript, “The Women of Warhol’s Factory.” Her past record of publications indicates that she is well on her way to establishing herself as a renowned scholar in her field.