Originally from Clarksdale, MS and a graduate of the University of Kansas, Dr. Temma Balducci joined the faculty of Art & Art History on July 1, 2024, as the Mary Lois Wheatley Presidential Chair. Previously, she was a professor and chair at Arkansas State University in the Department of Art + Design. She is an art historian whose research focuses on modern and contemporary art.

A strong advocate of engagement between the department and the local community, Balducci sees art as a powerful economic driver. In Arkansas, she was a member of the annual downtown OASIS Art & Eats Fest planning committee and the Jonesboro Public Art Commission (JPAC). She was also on the boards of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Jonesboro, Jonesboro-University Rotary, the A-State Museum, and the Arkansas Humanities Council.

She is thrilled to be in Salt Lake City and looks forward to getting involved in the art community!