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Wilkinson Honored with 2015 Twenty Under Forty Award

Emily Wilkinson

Emily Wilkinson, Public Art Manager

Emily Wilkinson is the public art manager for the Texas Tech University System.

October 9, 2015 | Contact FP&C

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals of Lubbock recently announced the 2015 Twenty Under Forty award recipients, and Emily Wilkinson, public art manager in the Facilities Planning & Construction office, made the list. 

"Emily's professionalism and dedication to public art is outstanding," said Michael Molina, vice chancellor for Facilities Planning & Construction. "We are grateful to have her positive attitude and spirit on our team, and I'm not surprised that she was selected among this talented group of young professionals."

The Twenty Under Forty awards recognize individuals who exemplify leadership in their careers while actively participating in the community and are under the age of 40.

“We congratulate all of this year’s award winners,” said Jay Jacobus, chamber chairman. “These young professionals are making an impact on the Lubbock community today as well as our future.” 

Wilkinson joined the department in early 2014. In her role, she oversees the public art collection and program at the Texas Tech University System, which has more than 100 pieces. Working with a committee, Wilkinson solicits, evaluates and commissions original public artworks to complement construction projects undertaken by Facilities Planning & Construction. She also handles the upkeep, maintenance and public education of the artworks in the collection.

Prior to her role as public art manager, Wilkinson was the Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Manager of Education for the National Ranching Heritage Center. She also has worked as a museum educator for the Lubbock Lake Landmark, Museum of Texas Tech University and the Science Spectrum and OMNI Theater.

Wilkinson holds two master's degrees from Texas Tech University—one in museum science and another in education.

She is currently a member of the City of Lubbock’s Cultural Arts Grant Review Committee and the Texas Association of Museums Educator's Committee, an advisory board member for Lubbock ISD Partners in Education and a former member of the Texas Tech University System's Public Art Committee.

The award winners will be honored at a banquet planned from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Lubbock Scottish Rite, 1101 70th St.