by Emily Stennes
November 10th 2020
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Portland State University announced today it has named Maryanna G. Ramirez as Director of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University (JSMA @ PSU).
Ramirez will join PSU on November 30, bringing two decades of experience serving university cultural institutions. She currently oversees strategic initiatives at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University in Miami. In this role she has curated exhibitions, directed museum programming and led fundraising efforts. Most recently, Ramirez oversaw the museum’s re-opening efforts and guided virtual outreach during COVID-19.
As JSMA @ PSU director, Ramirez will develop a long-term strategy for the new museum,
which opened its doors in November of 2019. She will collaborate with guest curators to create
spirited exhibitions, and drive programs to engage PSU’s diverse student body and the
community.
“Maryanna’s broad experience and strong commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion
in the arts make her an ideal fit for PSU,” said Provost Susan Jeffords. “She will lead a museum
built on the idea that art and art experiences should be accessible to all.”
“University museums have the opportunity to introduce students to new ideas and perspectives
through art,” said Ramirez. “As a first-generation college student, I know how powerful it is to
engage with art as a young person. My goal as director is to provide students and the
community with a sense of belonging and ownership at this important urban museum.”
Prior to Frost, Ramirez served in curatorial, programming, and advancement roles at Syracuse
University, DePaul University and the University of Michigan. She was also a curatorial
associate at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Ramirez earned her M.A. in art
history from Syracuse University and B.A. in art history and women and gender studies from
DePaul University.
“I am very excited to welcome Maryanna Ramirez as the new director of the Jordan Schnitzer
Museum of Art at PSU,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, whose philanthropic support allowed PSU to
establish the museum. “She brings extensive experience to our museum and I look forward to
working with her in the future.”
Launched in 2019, JSMA @ PSU offers rich and accessible art experiences to Portland State
students and to the public. Its galleries feature art by Northwest artists, faculty and students as
well as exhibitions by national and international artists. The museum is currently open on
Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. A PSU ID is required for entry at this time. Press are
welcome to make an appointment to visit.