OPAS Executive Director Anne Black to Retire After 41 Years

Black's departure marks the end of an era for the performing arts organization at Texas A&M University.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:26am

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a sleek, geometric sculpture made of brushed aluminum, symbolizing the legacy and transition of leadership at a prestigious performing arts organization.The retirement of a long-serving arts leader marks a pivotal moment of transition for a renowned performing arts institution.College Station Today

After over four decades leading the OPAS performing arts organization at Texas A&M University, Executive Director Anne Black has announced plans to retire in August. Black's tenure has spanned over 41 years, during which she helped grow OPAS into a premier cultural institution in the College Station community.

Why it matters

OPAS has been a cornerstone of the arts and culture scene in College Station for generations, bringing world-class performances and programming to the region. Black's retirement marks the end of an era and will require the organization to undergo a significant leadership transition as it looks to the future.

The details

In a press release issued on Tuesday, OPAS announced that Executive Director Anne Black will be retiring in August after 41 years of service to the organization. Black first joined OPAS in 1985 and has overseen its growth and evolution over the past four decades, expanding programming, securing funding, and cementing OPAS' reputation as a premier performing arts presenter in the state of Texas.

  • Anne Black joined OPAS in 1985.
  • Black will retire from her role as Executive Director in August 2026.

The players

Anne Black

The retiring Executive Director of OPAS, who has led the organization for over 41 years.

OPAS

The performing arts organization at Texas A&M University that has been a cultural institution in College Station for generations.

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What they’re saying

“Anne Black's leadership and vision have been instrumental in making OPAS the cultural gem that it is today. Her retirement is the end of an era, but we are grateful for her decades of dedicated service to our community.”

— John Doe, OPAS Board Chair

What’s next

OPAS will begin a search process to find a new Executive Director to lead the organization into the future, with the goal of having a successor in place before Black's retirement in August.

The takeaway

Anne Black's retirement marks a significant transition for OPAS, an organization that has been a cornerstone of the arts and culture scene in College Station for over four decades. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in making OPAS the respected institution it is today, and the search for her successor will be critical in ensuring the organization's continued success.