The Department of Art is pleased to announce that Mark Geil has been appointed as the Chair of the Department of Art at Jackson State University. Mark brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the arts community.
Mark Geil joined Jackson State University in 2010. Throughout his career at JSU as Associate Professor of Photography, Mark has received numerous accolades that highlight his excellence in both teaching and creative practice. Notably, he was honored as the Humanities Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Humanities Council in 2022, a testament to his outstanding impact on students and the broader academic community. In 2014, he was recognized with the Faculty Excellence Award as Teacher of the Year and the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Teacher Award, further underscoring his dedication to academic excellence.
Mark has also made significant contributions beyond the classroom. He has been a key player in securing major grants for the department and university, including a $240,000 Building Fund for the Arts from the Mississippi Arts Commission and a $30,000 Graphic Design Scholarship Fund from the Color Street Foundation. His leadership in these initiatives has not only enhanced the department’s resources but also expanded opportunities for students and faculty alike.
As an artist, Mark has an impressive portfolio of solo and group exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. His works, such as the 2020 exhibition “Tragedy and Triumph: The Lives of the Gibbs-Green Survivors,” co-curated at the Margaret Walker Center, showcase his ability to engage with historical and social themes that are significant to the JSU community through art.
Mark’s vision for the Department of Art is one of innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement. Under his leadership, the department is poised to reach new heights, fostering an environment where creativity, scholarship, and Jackson State tigers thrive.
Please join us in congratulating Mark Geil on this well-deserved appointment. We look forward to the innovative leadership and vision he will bring to the Department of Art.