Florida Southern College Appoints Dr. Daryl Ward as Executive Director of Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

Ward, a respected leader in the regional arts community, will guide the museum's vision, programming, and community impact.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Florida Southern College has selected Dr. Daryl Ward as the new executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB). Ward has served as interim executive director since June 2025 and will now continue in the role permanently after a national search. Ward brings decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and arts advocacy to the position.

Why it matters

The AGB is a cherished cultural asset in the Lakeland community, serving as both an academic resource for Florida Southern College and a public museum that promotes lifelong learning through art. Ward's appointment ensures steady leadership and builds on the museum's strong momentum during a period of transition, including the recent opening of a building expansion and the debut of a major exhibition.

The details

Ward was selected after a national search, with Florida Southern College President Dr. Jeremy Martin noting that Ward was the right leader in place, deeply invested in the museum and committed to advancing the arts. As executive director, Ward will guide The AGB's vision, programming, and community impact, drawing on his passion for the arts and ability to build partnerships that expand access and elevate local artists.

  • Ward has served as interim executive director since June 26, 2025.
  • The AGB recently opened a building expansion last year.
  • The museum is currently featuring the exhibition 'The Medici Dynasty: Renaissance in Florence'.
  • The AGB is marking its 60th anniversary this year.

The players

Dr. Daryl Ward

The new executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College. Ward brings decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and arts advocacy to the role.

Dr. Jeremy Martin

The president of Florida Southern College, who praised Ward's leadership and commitment to the museum.

Dr. Tracey Tedder

The vice president for academic affairs at Florida Southern College and chair of the search committee that selected Ward.

Michell Githens

The president of the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance (PACA) Board of Directors, who expressed excitement about Ward's selection and the continued collaboration between the two organizations.

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB)

The museum at Florida Southern College, which is the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in Central Florida and integrates exhibitions and programming into the academic life of the campus.

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What they’re saying

“As we were interviewing candidates, I found that I was in effect asking, 'Will you continue the great work that Dr. Ward has been doing?'”

— Dr. Jeremy Martin, President of Florida Southern College (prnewswire.com)

“I'm honored by the trust Florida Southern College has placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving The AGB. This museum is a place of shared community, and I'm thankful to work alongside a talented team and dedicated supporters to create meaningful, engaging experiences through art, learning, and connection.”

— Dr. Daryl Ward, Executive Director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (prnewswire.com)

“Following a strong national search, Dr. Ward brings extensive leadership experience and a record of academic and professional accomplishment to the position. At the same time, it is incredibly meaningful to recognize that we have exceptional talent right here in Lakeland.”

— Dr. Tracey Tedder, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida Southern College and Chair of the Search Committee (prnewswire.com)

“The AGB is a cherished cultural asset in our community, and we are excited about Dr. Daryl Ward's selection as its next executive director. He has made an exceptional impact leading the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance and will do the same for The AGB. We look forward to continued collaborations between both organizations.”

— Michell Githens, President of the PACA Board of Directors (prnewswire.com)

What’s next

Ward will begin his role as executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art on March 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Dr. Daryl Ward as the new executive director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College ensures the museum's continued success and community impact. Ward's extensive experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and arts advocacy, combined with his deep investment in the museum and the Lakeland community, position him to build on the museum's strong momentum and further elevate its role as both an academic resource and a cultural destination.