Richard Gay

Richard Gay is Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Professor in the Art Department at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), where he has been a faculty member since 2004. He served as Chair of the Art Department (2008–2015), Associate Dean (2015), and has been Dean since 2020.

Education:

• Ph.D., Cornell University
• M.A., University of Kentucky
• B.A., Berea College

Dr. Gay specializes in Medieval and Roman art, with a focused research agenda on fifteenth-century French manuscript illumination, particularly the work of Jean Colombe, and Flemish manuscripts and scribes. His expertise bridges art historical scholarship and curatorial practice, informed by his experience at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

His research has contributed to major international exhibitions, earning prestigious recognition such as The Mitchell Prize and the International Eugène Baie Award. Though no specific articles are listed, his scholarly output centers on Renaissance manuscript culture and Northern European art.

Scientific Awards:

• The Mitchell Prize (2004), administered by Burlington Magazine, London
• The International Eugène Baie Award (2004), presented once every five years by the city of Antwerp for the best foreign language publication on Flemish culture

Dr. Gay has secured competitive research funding, including the Samuel H. Kress Travel Fellowship (1997), Faculty Research and Development Grant from UNCP (2005), and the James G. Hanes Memorial Fund Grant (2006). He advises academic programs and leads institutional initiatives within the College of Arts & Sciences. There is no indication of student advising details, but his leadership includes mentoring faculty and shaping curriculum. He previously served as assistant curator at the Getty Museum, contributing to the landmark exhibition Illuminating the Renaissance.

Dr. Gay teaches a range of courses including Survey of Art I and II, Ancient Greek and Roman Art, Italian Renaissance Art, and special topics in illuminated manuscripts and medieval art. He continues to contribute to the academic and administrative life of UNCP through his dual role as professor and dean.