Dr. Rebecca Bloom Named Executive Director of SUMA
Published: July 22, 2026 | Author: Kol Gibson | Read Time: 5 minutes
Southern Utah University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rebecca (Becky) Bloom as Executive Director of Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), effective July 1, 2026.
After serving as Interim Director over the past year, Dr. Bloom now assumes the role permanently, leading SUMA as it enters its next decade. Her appointment follows a national search and comes at an exciting time for the museum as it launches a refreshed visual identity that strengthens its connection to the community while embracing the new tagline, “Art for Everyone.”
Throughout her time at SUMA, Dr. Bloom has helped strengthen the museum’s role as both a cultural destination and an educational resource, fostering collaborations across Southern Utah University and throughout the region. As Executive Director, she will continue advancing SUMA’s mission to connect people through meaningful artistic experiences while expanding opportunities for students, artists, educators, and the broader community.
“SUMA serves a unique and vital role operating at the crossroads of higher education, regional cultural tourism, and civic engagement,” said Michael T. Schmidt, dean of SUU’s College of Performing and Visual Arts. “Throughout her four years at the museum, Dr. Bloom has demonstrated a unique ability to bridge campus and community, building strong connections with local authorities, securing competitive state and national grants, and broadening support for the museum.”
He added, “As SUMA rolls out its fresh look, Becky’s vision will ensure that the museum remains a welcoming, innovative, and indispensable hub for the campus community, Cedar City, and visitors across the southwest.”
Dr. Bloom’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the museum, as SUMA continues to build on its reputation for presenting thought-provoking exhibitions, educational programming, and community partnerships. Looking ahead, the museum will continue expanding its impact while reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and serving audiences of all backgrounds.
“On the heels of SUMA’s 10th Anniversary, it is an honor and a privilege to be selected to usher the museum and our exceptional team into the next decade,” said Dr. Bloom. “I am wholeheartedly committed to carrying on the museum’s mission of bringing world-class art experiences to our region. This means mounting exhibitions that present exciting art and invite thoughtful conversation, and offering programs that welcome visitors to engage with art more deeply, no matter their age or experience. Bringing people together through art is my passion, and I am excited to lead SUMA with this as my motivation.”
As Dr. Bloom transitions into her new role, SUMA is also beginning the search for its next Director of Curatorial Affairs, a position that will play a key role in shaping the museum’s future exhibitions, collections, and interpretive programming. Those interested in joining SUMA’s growing team can view the position description and apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/suu/jobs/5414455/director-curatorial-affairs-southern-utah-museum-of-art.
“I am thrilled that Becky Bloom has been officially appointed as our Executive Director,” said Colette Cox, chair of the SUMA Advisory Board. “Having served as the Interim Director for the past year and as the Director of Curatorial Affairs for several years prior, Becky has consistently demonstrated her expertise and dedication. Her impressive background and track record make her the ideal person to lead us forward. I am excited to see where her vision takes SUMA and look forward to continuing our work together.”
With new leadership, a refreshed brand identity, and a continued commitment to making art accessible to all, SUMA looks forward to welcoming the community into an exciting new era. To learn more about current and upcoming exhibitions at SUMA, please visit www.suu.edu/suma.
About Southern Utah Museum of Art
Southern Utah Museum of Art, on the campus of Southern Utah University, features the artwork of regional artists known for their landscapes, faculty and student artists from the SUU Department of Filmmaking, Art, & Design, as well as emerging and distinguished artists from around the country and the world. Strengths of the nearly 2,000-object permanent collection include several works by famed Western artist Maynard Dixon, important regional women artists Eve Drewelowe and Edith Hamlin, and a comprehensive collection of work by Jimmie F. Jones that exemplifies his notable career in the region. Within SUMA’s holdings is an especially robust collection of prints that includes well-known artists such as Marc Chagall, James McNeill Whistler, Kawase Hasui, Thomas Hart Benton, and Käthe Kollwitz, among others. A number of gifts and acquisitions have focused on photography, such as Brett Weston, Gary Edward Adams, and a portfolio called DE | MARCATION: A Survey of Contemporary Photography in Utah. Named the best-designed museum in Utah by Architectural Digest, SUMA’s building, designed by Brooks + Scarpa and inspired by the region’s famed slot canyons, is an artwork in and of itself.
About the College of Performing and Visual Arts
The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs, including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year, which are complemented by the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and Shakespeare Studies at SUU, and is affiliated with the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.Contact Information
Kol Gibson
435-865-8667
kolgibson@suu.edu