Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Broun

Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Broun is a three-time KU alumna, with a bachelor’s in French (1968; Phi Beta Kappa), master’s in history of art (1969) and doctorate in history of art (1976). She also holds a certificate of advanced study from the University of Bordeaux, France. From 1976 to 1983, Broun served KU as the curator of prints and drawings at the Spencer Museum of Art and as assistant professor in the History of Art Department. During her last year at KU, she also served as the acting director for the Spencer Museum.

After leaving KU in 1983, Broun joined the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), first as Chief Curator and Assistant Director, then as Acting Director. For the past 15 years, she has been serving as The Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and its branch museum, the Renwick Gallery (Crafts and Decorative Arts) in Washington, D.C.

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