Via the Mississippi Art Education Association
William L. Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus Brent Funderburk, who retired in 2018 after teaching art at Mississippi State for 36 years, is the recipient of this year's Higher Education Art Educator of the Year award by the Mississippi Art Education Association.
This prestigious accolade, determined through a peer review process, recognizes an exceptional art educator whose dedication and impact in the field of art education in Mississippi deserves special recognition. The award was announced at the MAEA 2026 Fall Conference in Jackson on October 23.
Funderburk is a noted artist, teacher, administrator, exhibitor and speaker with a career spanning over six decades. As a university administrator and educator for over 40 years at three institutions, Funderburk has helped develop innovative programs, advocated for the excellence of faculty colleagues, and mentored students through teaching and support of their continuing professional and scholarly work.
Rebecca Wilkinson, president of the MAEA, said, “This is one of the highest honors we present annually, and it recognizes extraordinary leadership and significant contributions to art education in Mississippi. Brent Funderburk embodies the qualities of an exceptional art educator, and his work exemplifies the talent and commitment found in visual arts higher education across our state."
Founded in 1938, the Mississippi Art Education Association is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting art educators and advocating for the importance of art education.