Dr. Rebecca McMillen
I have worked as an art educator, leader and administrator in higher education for almost 20 years. I believe that God is the ultimate artist and He has created us in His image and also given us the gift of creativity. I am passionate about encouraging students to grow their own creative skills and to help teachers implement art and creativity in the classroom. I have taught classes in art history, art appreciation, museum studies, creative innovation, creative leadership, and personal and career development. My current research area is in the field of Creativity and Innovation.
Professional Experience: I have been an educator in higher education for almost 20 years, teaching in the areas of art history, museum studies, creative innovation, career and personal development. I have also been an administrator and served in leadership and mentor roles in higher education for 16 years. I have also practiced as an exhibition curator, guest editor and freelance interior decorator. Many years ago I also worked as a registered nurse!
Personal Experience: I grew up in Sydney, Australia. I've travelled to various countries in Asia, Europe, South Pacific, North and Central America. I moved to the US when I married my husband.
Scholarly Interests: My current research interests are on the topics of Creativity and Creative Innovation; Design thinking and Personal Development. Past research topics are on Museum Education Programs, Accessible Museum Education Programs.
Honors and Awards: Sabbatical Recipient, Creativity, Innovation & Design Thinking, (Fall 2020); Provost Research Grant Recipient, for Creativity, Innovation & Design Thinking research (Fall, 2019); Recipient of Council of Independent Colleges Grant, Seminar Participation, Art and Society in Britain, Hogarth to Turner (1730-1851) Seminar, (July 2019), Yale Center for British Art, Yale University, New Haven, CT; Cultural Embedded Curriculum (CEC) Grant Recipient (Fall, 2019). For the course ART 110: Art Appreciation; Cultural Embedded Curriculum (CEC) Grant Recipient (Spring, 2019). For the course ART 111: Art Appreciation.
Publications: McMillen, R. (2023). Social Media’s Growing Impact on Our Personal and Professional Lives, Fresno Pacific Journal; McMillen, R., McMillen. J., & Mahoney, M. (2017) The Intersection of Sport, Art & Public Disability Access: An Analysis of Best Practices, Fresno Pacific Journal; McMillen, R. (2017) Museum Marketing and Disability Access, International Journal of Business, Management and Commerce; McMillen, R. (2017) Social Media, Social Inclusion and Disability Access, Journal of Museums and Social Issues; McMillen, R. (2015) Museum Disability Access: Social Inclusion Opportunities Through Innovative New Media Practices, Fresno Pacific Journal; McMillen, R. (2012) The Inclusive Art Museum: Determining Disability Access, The International Journal of the Inclusive Museum; McMillen, R. (2011). Diverse Audiences: Disability Access and the Art Museum, Fresno Pacific Journal; McMillen, J. D. & McMillen, R. S. (2009). Sport marketing and trademark law: Are the Dallas Cowboys really “America’s Team”? Sport Marketing Quarterly.
Recommended Reading: The Bible; 2 Chairs, by Bob Beaudine; Live No Lies, by John Mark Comer; The Compound Effect, by Darren Hardy; The Runaway Species, by David Eagleman & Anthony Brandt
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 139
Favorite Music: Worship Music
Favorite Activities: Reading, Interior Design/ Decorating, Drawing, Walking, Hiking, Tennis, Flower Arranging, HIIT workouts, Yoga, Bike Riding, Travelling
What I Like About FPU: The sense of community that's evident here.