Board Chair Dr. Hasna Muhammad announced that arts education leader Marshell Jones Kumahor (pictured) has been named the new President of Studio in a School NYC.
Studio NYC, one of two organizations under the aegis of the Studio in a School Association, Inc., provides quality arts education and programs to more than 27,000 PreK-12 students in New York City public schools each year. “Marshell Jones Kumahor’s dedication to arts education and her strong record of leadership in several leading arts organizations make her exceptionally qualified to lead Studio NYC,” said Dr. Muhammad. Ms. Kumahor will assume her position on December 16, 2024.
Agnes Gund, Founder of Studio in a School Association and President Emerita of The Museum of Modern Art, said, “I am delighted to have a leader of Marshell’s caliber joining Studio NYC. As Studio approaches its 50th anniversary and is creating new avenues of providing support to teachers nationwide and to students in New York City, Marshell’s vision will ensure that our organization continues to flourish.”
Ms. Kumahor will be joining Studio NYC from the New Jersey Symphony where she is currently the Vice President of Education & Community Engagement. During her 15 years at the Symphony, Ms. Kumahor has led the creation of strategic initiatives including the development of two nationally recognized programs for youth from historically marginalized communities. Prior to the New Jersey Symphony, she worked for both the Center for Arts Education where she led grantmaking for NYC arts education partnerships, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center where she coordinated multi-arts residency programs.
“Marshell’s positive impact on the New Jersey Symphony and the communities we serve will continue to be felt for years to come,” said Craig Silliman, the co-chair of the Symphony’s Board of Trustees and Interim President & CEO. “We thank her for all that she has done for the Symphony and wish her all the best in this exciting new opportunity with Studio NYC.”
“The national search brought forward a highly competitive slate of candidates and Marshell captivated the search committee with her sensitive and thoughtful assessment of the needs of young people, the teachers who provide instruction in the public schools, and our own group of phenomenal artist instructors,” said Vice Chair of the Board and chair of the search committee, Ken Cooper.
Ms. Kumahor said “The arts have always been an integral part of my personal and professional life. I am thrilled to join Studio in a School and to put my energies into making room for all voices, all perspectives, all kinds of genius that can help us rise to the occasion of our times and devise transformational solutions as only the arts can.”
Marshell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley.
