June 4, 2014 (Jackson) - Jack L. Kyle has joined Belhaven University as Senior Director of Arts Development and Chair of Arts Administration. Kyle brings with him a vast knowledge of the arts and is nationally recognized for his services to the arts and international cultural exchange.
He served as Chairman of the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange, Inc. Kyle organized four highly successful international exhibitions including Palaces of St. Petersburg: Russian Imperial Style, Splendors of Versailles, The Majesty of Spain: Royal Collections from the Museo del Prado & Patrimonio Nacional and The Glory of Baroque Dresden. These exhibitions attracted 1.3 million visitors and generated nearly $175 million in economic impact.
Dr. Ulrich Pietsch, Director of the Royal Porcelain Collection of the Dresden State Art Collections, said, “Thanks to Jack's brilliant understanding of the arts, ability to bring different people and organizations together and talent to manage such a big project, the Glory of Baroque Dresden in Jackson, Mississippi became the most important overseas exhibition the State Art Collection of Dresden ever did.”
Kyle comments, “I want to pass along to the students and these outstanding cultural departments my passion for quality in all areas of the arts and to share the many experiences which have been so meaningful to me in the arts over the past thirty years. The ability to create things of beauty is a blessing to society, and the students who come to Belhaven to study in these disciplines are deserving of our best to assist in preparing them for their life's mission.”
His international influence has lead to accolades such as a knighthood by the Republic of France, a decoration by King Juan Carlos I of Spain and the President of the Federal Republic of Germany. Kane Ditto, owner of StateStreet Group, LLC and former Jackson mayor, said, “Jack Kyle has a unique set of abilities - a wide and deep knowledge of the arts, a keen eye which allows him to develop art exhibitions with broad audience appeal and the ability to gain the confidence and respect of museum directors, art collectors and other art experts.”
“Jack spent a lifetime presenting to the public the highest quality of both visual and performing arts, so we are especially proud that someone of his caliber is joining our faculty at Belhaven,” said Dr. Roger Parrott, President of Belhaven University. “As a leading Christian university, preparing students for careers in the arts, Jack's remarkable track record, commitment to education and unique expertise will give our arts administration majors the opportunity to learn from the very best.”
His experience in the development of international exhibitions dates back to his work in Memphis, Tenn. with the development of such exhibitions as Ramesses the Great, Catherine the Great, Splendors of the Ottoman Sultans and Napoleon.
Two of the exhibitions organized by Kyle received the prestigious "Top Event in the United States" award by the American Bus Association. House Beautiful Magazine selected Kyle to receive its Giants of Design Award as an Arts Ambassador, and the Daughters of the American Revolution awarded him its Medal of Honor. Kyle has been a guest panelist for the American Association of Art Museum Directors and has appeared on national television and radio in conjunction with the exhibitions including "Good Morning America," CBS News and National Public Radio. His exhibitions have been featured in major articles in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and leading magazines including Veranda, Architectural Digest and Town & Country.
“Jack has an amazing talent for bringing people together through his energy and passion for the arts and arts education,” said Lucy M. Buchanan, Owner of LMB Consulting LLC. “Jack is a 'rain-maker' and can bring great things to the University-family. Jack is well connected internationally and is a passionate spokesperson and advocate for the arts and the influence they can have on the quality of our lives. Jack will bring a new energy to the University and to the entire community.”
Kyle holds a Bachelor of Vocal Music Education from Delta State University where he received both the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Outstanding Alumnus Award and was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame. He served in the United States Navy and on the staffs in Washington, D.C. of Mississippi Congressman G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery and California Congressman John H. Rousselot.