Mae Gilliland Wright

Biography

Mae Gilliland Wright holds a master’s degree and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, with a teaching background in digital humanities, sciences, and general humanities. In the past, she taught at the University of Edinburgh, St. Ambrose University, and Methodist College. She currently serves as the Executive Director at ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc., and is the host of the weekly "Out and About" program on WCBU. Past roles include Executive Director of Big Picture Peoria, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, writer and Director of Business Development at Peoria Magazines, and as an educator at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Mae is currently the co-chair of the Advisory Board of the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois and sits on the City of Peoria’s Public Arts Advisory Commission. She is also a cohort member of ArtsAlliance Illinois' Liberation Learning Group. In the past, she sat on the Board of Directors of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Acorn Equality Fund, Public Relations Association of Central Illinois, and ART, Inc., along with various other committees with area organizations like Align Peoria and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Mae received the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 ATHENA Young Professional Award, which honors emerging leaders between the ages of 25 and 40 who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and serve as a role model for young women. In 2020, she received the 25 Women in Leadership Award from WEEK - 25 News. She is a member of Americans for the Arts and Women in Leadership of Central Illinois.

Teaching

•HIS 352 - Introduction to Digital Humanities (3 hours) Core Curr. HU,MI,EL
•HIS 353 - Public History (3 hours) Core Curr. HU,MI,WI