Kathy Unrath

Dr. Kathy Unrath is an Associate Professor of Art Education and Director of the Art Education program at the University of Missouri’s College of Education. Her research focuses on art teacher identity development, artmaking knowledge acquisition, and the interplay between pre-service education and professional practice. She has been widely recognized for her teaching and advising excellence, receiving multiple awards such as the Provost’s Teaching and Advising Award (2005) and the College of Education Golden Apple Award (2016).

Her work is published in prominent journals including Studies in Art Education, Arts and Learning Research, and Visual Arts Research. She is also an active fibers artist with exhibitions featured in galleries nationwide.

• Awards:
  • 2004 NAEA Mary J. Rouse Award
  • 2008 NAEA Western Region Higher Education Art Educator of the Year
  • 2012 Maxine Christopher Shutz Award
• Teaching Recognition:
  • 2015 MU Excellence in Education Award

As Director of the Art Education program, Dr. Unrath oversees curriculum development and student mentorship, emphasizing practical and theoretical intersections in art education. Her creative practice as a fibers artist complements her academic work, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary exploration.