Boston, MA — Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Makeeba McCreary to the MassArt Board of Trustees. Dr. McCreary joins an extremely talented and dedicated Board, bringing her expertise to further enhance the collective leadership in arts, education, and community engagement that drives MassArt’s mission forward.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Makeeba McCreary to the MassArt Board of Trustees,” said MassArt President Mary K. Grant. “This is wonderful news for our campus, our extended community, and public higher education. Dr. McCreary’s commitment to equity and access aligns perfectly with MassArt. She will be an invaluable board leader and champion as we continue our work to advance public higher education and the power of art, design, and creativity in shaping a better world.”

“The Board of Trustees looks forward to welcoming Dr. McCreary to the College at this important time for higher education,” Board of Trustees Chair Karen Keane said. “With the incredible momentum that is surrounding MassArt, and so many exciting and innovative things happening across the campus, it is a truly exceptional institution. I know Dr. McCreary’s skills and experience will help as we work together to advance MassArt’s mission of promoting inclusive and transformative arts and design education.”

“Art is more than just expression—it is how communities shape, claim, and protect their identities,” said Dr. Makeeba McCreary. “I’m honored to join the MassArt Board of Trustees, to ensure that the next generation of great artists see Massachusetts as a home, and a refuge, for that vital work.”

Dr. McCreary serves as the President of the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund (NCF), where she leads efforts to uplift Black and Brown communities across Massachusetts. NCF has raised more than $40 million and distributed more than $16 million to nonprofit organizations across the Commonwealth working in health equity, criminal justice reform, youth development, economic empowerment, and identity and culture narrative—NCF’s arts pillar. 

Her professional journey includes groundbreaking work as the Patti and Jonathan Kraft Chief of Learning and Community Engagement at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), where she spearheaded innovative community programs and expanded audience engagement. During her time at the Museum, Dr. McCreary incorporated community voices into exhibitions and gallery displays, including the critically acclaimed Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation. During the MFA’s pandemic induced closure in 2020, McCreary’s division swiftly transitioned all programming to a digital platform for more than 1.2 million followers, winning Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston” award for the best virtual museum experience. 

Dr. McCreary’s dedication to young people and education extends beyond her work at the MFA. She previously served as the Managing Director and Senior Advisor of External Affairs for Boston Public Schools, reporting directly to the Mayor and Superintendent of Schools, and has also designed and managed philanthropic investment models for global and national brands including Jordan Brand, Darden Foods, National Boys and Girls Clubs of America and United Negro College Fund.

Dr. McCreary holds a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University, a master’s degree in education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

As a critical time unfolds for public higher education and art and design institutions, Dr. McCreary’s appointment is a testament to MassArt’s commitment to fostering equity, innovation, and creativity. President Grant added, “We have important work ahead, and I am deeply grateful that Dr. McCreary will be part of this journey as we advance the mission of MassArt together.”

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About MassArt

The only independent public college of art and design in the country, MassArt was founded in 1873 in response to a bold idea: art and design are essential to our daily lives, and key to improving our society and economy. What began as a school to teach drawing is today a bold, comprehensive art and design institution that spans 18 undergraduate and nine graduate programs, certificates, continuing education, and post-baccalaureate study.

Media Inquiries

Amanda Karr, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
MassArt
akarr@massart.edu