Friday Forum: Dr. Eric Motley

Millbrook Friday Forum speakers come to campus to share stories, inspiration, and thought-provoking ideas with our community. Dr. Eric Motley, Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Art, kicked off the series by recounting his journey from a small town near Montgomery, Alabama to the White House, where he served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush. 

Dr. Motley credited his family and the people of his hometown for his success and happiness. Pooling their resources and expertise to create a support system for him, they worked to support his education endeavors, which eventually took him to Scotland to earn a master’s degree. An appreciation for and dedication to community was a recurring theme in his remarks and Dr. Motley called on Millbrook to embrace and strengthen connections whenever possible. During his visit, Dr. Motley took time to speak individually with students and faculty. He saw plenty of works-in-progress in a 2D Design class and shared a meal with students eager to learn about his journey. 

In his current professional role, Dr. Motley develops and deploys strategies for the National Gallery of Art through civic, cultural, and philanthropic partnerships. His wide-ranging career in the arts, humanities, and public life exemplifies a life fully open to curiosity.