Dr. John Handley Joins GCSU as Executive Director of Historic Museums

John Handley, Ph.D., is the new executive director of historic museums at Georgia College & State University. Dr. Handley began his role Monday, March 23. 

The Bobcat community is invited to meet Dr. Handley during a welcome reception Monday, March 30, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Museum Education Building behind the Old Governor’s Mansion. 

Handley brings more than 25 years of experience in museum management and collections curation to his new position as executive director, which oversees the operations, personnel and collections of the university’s three historic museum properties: Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion, the Sallie Ellis Davis House and the National Historic Landmark Andalusia Farm, home of Flannery O’Connor. 

Most recently, Handley was associate director of Exhibits at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Handley is also the previous executive director of the Museum of East Texas and director of the Stephen F. Austin State University Galleries. 

Handley holds a bachelor’s degree in art, a Master of Arts in Museum Studies, a Master of Divinity in Theology and Philosophy, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Art and Religion. He has published extensively in academic journals and exhibition catalogues. 

In addition to expertise in museum operations and collections management, Handley has worked on numerous community outreach projects and events that establish a “bridge” between a museum and its surrounding community. 

“Dr. Handley’s extensive management and curatorial experience, combined with his established track record of community relations and successful grant funding, made him the ideal person for this role,” said Angela Criscoe, executive director of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, which oversees the Historic Museums Division at GCSU. 

“Georgia College’s historic museums have significant and valuable collections, in addition to offering peerless education and interpretive opportunities for our Bobcat family, our local community and visitors from around the world,” Criscoe added. “I’m excited to see how Dr. Handley will continue to grow the profile of each of our unique museums.” 

The welcome reception for Dr. Handley is drop-in today from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.