JEANNE GOODVIN

Years after taking every art history class she could at Kansas State, Goodvin has a practical use for the knowledge she obtained.

"I wanted to be part of the art world again," said Goodvin, who joined the museum in late September after working for the city of Wichita for 15 years. "I really feel excited about it. I'm promoting an absolutely fantastic facility."

While serving as the city's Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, Goodvin worked with the museum on meeting compliance standards. It added to Goodvin's appreciation for the museum, which contains nearly 7,000 works of art in its permanent collection.

"Your interest in something grows from some of the strangest experiences, a lot of original experiences," Goodvin said.

Goodvin has served on the Wichita school board, worked as a lobbyist and served on several nonprofit boards. Those community connections helped Goodvin land the position assisting museum director Charles Steiner with procuring funding for the museum.

"To bring in quality exhibits, it really does take money," said Goodvin, who joins the museum as it prepares for its 75th anniversary next year.".. It's such an attraction for so many people that you want to make sure it's the best the city can offer. I just feel like I'm home, and it feels really good."