ABQ Times

Erin Coe, a graduate of The University of New Mexico (UNM), has assumed the role of executive director at The Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate situated in upstate New York. With over 25 years of experience in the museum sector, Coe has established herself as a dedicated leader and advocate for the arts.

Coe began her tenure at The Rockwell in January. She aims to enhance the museum's reputation as a cultural hub by offering engaging art exhibitions and community programs. Reflecting on her education at UNM, Coe recalls the campus's beauty, diversity, and supportive environment. Her exposure to a wide array of classes, especially within the art studio, history program, and women's studies department, significantly shaped her career path.

In her role at The Rockwell, Coe draws on the skills she acquired during her time at UNM, such as teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. She attributes her career in museums to her initial internship at the Albuquerque Museum and her bachelor's degree, noting that these experiences were pivotal in her professional journey.

Coe describes her leadership approach as a "servant-leader" philosophy. She focuses on communicating with stakeholders, fostering collaboration across departments, and promoting a philanthropic culture to support the museum's growth and adaptation to change.

Coe advises current UNM students to leverage their time at the university by forming relationships with faculty and taking advantage of opportunities such as internships and student organizations. She emphasizes the importance of networking from the start of their academic journey, stating, “You may not realize it, but building your network starts when you enter the classroom, lecture hall or studio, and grows from there. Faculty and the program’s administration are indispensable resources for students.”