Martha Watson, dean of the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, has been appointed to serve as the Nevada representative to the board of the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF).
Founded in 1974, WESTAF is a non-profit service organization dedicated to the creative advancement and preservation of the arts in the Western states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. WESTAF is governed by a 22-member board of trustees, which includes representatives from each of those states.
Watson's duties will include serving as a liaison between WESTAF and the arts community in Nevada.
"I am very excited about my appointment to this board," Watson said. "I will be working with a number of people and organizations to help foster and promote the vibrant and growing arts community we have here in Nevada and throughout the West."
Watson holds a doctorate in communication from the University of Texas at Austin. She is an internationally known scholar in rhetoric and women's studies and has authored numerous academic research articles and several books. Prior to coming to UNLV in 1997, Watson served as acting chair of the department of communication and associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland. She also has held administrative positions at Auburn University.
WESTAF currently is engaged in arts policy research, information-systems development, state arts agency development, and convening arts experts and leaders to address critical issues in the arts. It is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts; state arts agencies; private and corporate foundations, and individuals.
For additional information about WESTAF, contact Martha Watson at 895-3291.
