Becky Pratt-Sturges has been instrumental in rejuvenating the museum studies program at Northern Arizona University (NAU), where she serves as an associate teaching professor of museum studies and art history. Her journey from a student at NAU to receiving the prestigious President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow award highlights her commitment to enhancing educational experiences in the field.
Insights into the Museum Studies Program
Pratt-Sturges crafted the museum studies program with the goal of equipping students with practical skills and professional portfolios, setting them up for success in internships, graduate programs, and careers related to cultural heritage. The curriculum addresses pressing challenges faced by museums today, including legal and ethical issues tied to the repatriation of ancient artifacts and restitution of art stolen during World War II.
A notable addition to the program is a new course on blood antiquities, slated for next spring. This course will delve into how looted artifacts move through global criminal networks, funding terrorism and other illicit activities. By integrating history, archaeology, art history, ethics, law, and criminology, the course provides students with an opportunity to explore the complex stories behind museum collections.
Pratt-Sturges’ Journey at NAU
As a proud alumna of NAU, where she earned her B.A. in art history, Pratt-Sturges returned to her alma mater in 2013 after completing her M.A. and Ph.D. at Arizona State University. Since then, she has taught over 30 courses, primarily in museum studies. Her teaching covers a broad range of topics, including digital exhibition design, art crime, and the repatriation of cultural heritage.
Significance of the President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow Award
Winning the President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow award is a significant milestone for Pratt-Sturges. Reflecting on her achievement, she shared, “As an NAU alum, receiving this award means a great deal to me.” Her revitalization of the Museum Studies program over the past four years exemplifies her dedication to creating a career-focused curriculum that blends practical learning with cutting-edge teaching methods.
The award, marked by an engraved medal, was a source of pride for Pratt-Sturges, who wore it at commencement while celebrating with her students. She expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I felt humbled by the nomination and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a university community that has given so much to me.”
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