PEMBROKE — UNC Pembroke’s Museum of the Southeast American Indian director and curator Nancy Strickland Chavis has been awarded the 2025 William Collins Smith Auburn Award for Advancing American Art by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University.

The $25,000 national award recognizes scholars and curators who advance creativity, innovation and experimentation in American art. Chavis was selected for her leadership in elevating Indigenous perspectives and expanding the narrative of Southeastern Native art.

“We are fortunate to have a museum that reflects the heart and heritage of our region, and even more so to have Nancy guiding that important work,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings. “Through her leadership and vision, the Museum of the Southeast American Indian has

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