The mood of the 140 or so guests who gathered at the ARTSpace on Main can only be described as electric for Wednesday evening’s welcoming reception of the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas’ new Executive Director Celeste Alexander.
Even before the reception’s 5 p.m. start time, the line inside the Windgate Community Gallery to congratulate Alexander was often two dozen deep.
Many wished her a happy birthday that evening as well.
While not the first woman to take the helm at the Pine Bluff institutional flagship, Alexander is the first Black and first hometown woman to be named to the position.
Margie Hart, an ASC member since its founding in 1968, has long been acquainted with Alexander through ASC events.
“I think she’s going to be really good in this position,” Hart said. “She has lots of talent and a wonderful presence. She’s intelligent.”
Dr. Tomie McCall Jr., a dentist practicing in Pine Bluff, agreed with Hart’s assessment.
“She’s extra special. Dynamic, creative and deserving of this position,” McCall said.
Like others that evening, he said he believes she will bring a different cultural sensitivity to ASC.
ASC Board of Trustees Chairman Iry Rice said “we are excited to welcome Dr. Alexander as our next executive director. Celeste’s strong leadership, deep roots in Pine Bluff and unwavering dedication to the arts and education make her the ideal person to lead the Arts and Science Center into this next chapter.”
Kimberly Cole McMillion of Pine Bluff was inspired by Alexander.
“When I went back to school, she encouraged me, pushed me to my limit,” said McMillion, who is now a special education teacher with the White Hall School District.
Not only was the downstairs overflowing with guests, but the upstairs Loft Gallery was handling the additional crowd.
Katie Brouch, a longtime friend of Alexander, and her two young daughters enjoyed the evening’s light hors d’oeuvres.
“Celeste is exceptional … I can’t think of a better person to fill this role. She has a real love for education, for the arts and theatre,” Brouch said.
Alexander is a role model that Brouch can point to with pride when talking to her young daughters.
ASC ROOTS
In the past, Alexander has performed in ASC stage productions, served on its performing arts committee, participated in its fundraising efforts and served on its endowment board.
In 2024, she was honored with ASC’s Good Egg Award for outstanding volunteer service.
“It is truly an honor to serve an organization that has been so close to my heart for most of my life … I am excited to continue ASC’s mission of enriching lives through the arts, science and education, and to help ensure it remains a vibrant cultural hub for Southeast Arkansas,” Alexander said.
The arts and science center “has given me the joy of performing, the privilege of volunteering and the opportunity to grow alongside a community of incredibly talented and kind people,” she added.
Scott Robinson, vice chairman of the ASC board of trustees, said, “Dr. Alexander is a dynamic leader with an impressive blend of professional experience and genuine passion for ASC and the Pine Bluff community. We are confident that under her leadership, the center will continue to thrive and expand its impact for generations to come.”
EDUCATIONAL AND WORK HISTORY
Alexander holds a doctorate in educational technology and leadership from Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., a master of arts in teaching degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and dual bachelor of arts degrees in mathematics and radio/television/film from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
She also earned a certificate in theology and ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, N.J.
For the past six years, Alexander was a teacher excellence coordinator and a special projects coordinator for the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative in Pine Bluff.
She previously taught mathematics at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the Pine Bluff School District.
