Alvia Wardlaw, professor of art history and director and curator of the University Museum at Texas Southern University in Houston, received the Dr. John E. Fleming Award from the Association of African American Museums. The award recognizes outstanding expertise and exceptional dedication to African and African American-focused museums during a career that spans at least 20 years. Dr. Wardlaw was honored at the group’s annual conference earlier this month.
Dr. Wardlaw organized more than 75 exhibitions as curator during a 22-year career at the Museum of Fine Art in Houston. She first taught at Texas Southern University in 1974 as an adjunct professor.
A graduate of Wellesley College in Massachusetts, Professor Wardlaw earned a master’s degree in art history at New York University. In 1996, she became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in art history at the University of Texas at Austin.
