Art Educator and Artist Robert F. Hower Recognized for Lifetime Achievements and Contributions to Art and Design Education

Wednesday, Apr 09, 2025

Arlington, TX – [March 15] – Robert F. Hower, Chair and Professor Emeritus of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been celebrated for his contributions to art education and design. In 2024, he received the prestigious Life Achievement Award from the United Designs Alliance, a global organization dedicated to advancing design education. Additionally, he was honored with the Gold Design Education Recognition Award (GDERA) during the Cross Connections 2024 International conference, underscoring his significant impact on the field.

Hower served as Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Arlington from 2005 until August 2019. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in transforming the department into a leading center for art education, with undergraduate majors increasing from 450 to over 800. His visionary leadership led to the establishment of a nationally ranked Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program, initiated in 2007, which features four unique research tracks. Hower's dedication to inclusivity was evident through his initiation of committees focused on women and gender, cultural diversity, equity, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Throughout his career, Hower has exhibited his work in numerous prestigious venues worldwide, including the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland, and the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha. His artwork is included in various esteemed collections, such as the Minnesota Museum of American Art and the Central Academy of Art in Beijing.

In addition to his exhibition accomplishments, Hower has curated several significant exhibitions, including "In Context: Digital Expression" and "Art and the Computer: An Illinois Survey," which have fostered critical discourse on the intersection of technology and art. He founded Studio Create©, a research studio aimed at collaborative project development, and was instrumental in establishing the Arts Entrepreneurship program at UT Arlington, further enhancing the educational landscape for aspiring artists.

His commitment to academic excellence led the Department of Art and Art History to achieve NASAD accreditation on its first attempt, a testament to Hower's leadership and advocacy for all departmental programs. He has served as a NASAD accreditation reviewer and was elected to the NASAD Commission on Accreditation, contributing to the national ranking of the Visual Communication Design program.

Hower's educational background includes a Master of Fine Arts from the Cranbrook Academy of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska Omaha. His industry experience spans corporate design and project consulting, including significant contributions to the National Park Service and leadership roles in major corporations such as Cox Communications and Chase Manhattan.

As a respected educator and leader, Hower continues to engage with the art community through presentations and webinars, sharing his insights and fostering discussions on design education and the future of the arts.

For further information, interviews, or inquiries, please contact Robert F. Hower at 817-320-6273 or via email at rhower@uta.edu or beehower@gmail.com