A professor of art education at the University of South Carolina, Minuette Floyd, has been bestowed with the highest accolade in the arts conferred by the state.
Floyd, who teaches in USC’s School of Visual Art and Design, was recently honored with a Governor’s Award in the arts, specifically in the education category. This prestigious recognition, announced by the South Carolina Arts Commission on behalf of Governor Henry McMaster, stands as the state’s most esteemed commendation for outstanding contributions to the practice or support of the arts.
Formerly an elementary art teacher, Floyd is renowned for providing exceptional experiential learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. She has notably led service-learning programs to destinations such as London and South Africa, offering students enriching cultural experiences.
“Dr. Floyd’s extensive body of work and her innovative approach to arts education have earned her this esteemed honor,” commented David Platts, Executive Director of the Arts Commission. “Her commitment to inclusive practices has had a significant statewide impact, enhancing accessibility to arts education and broadening horizons for students.”
Floyd’s endeavors extend beyond the classroom as well. She secured a grant enabling 10 first-generation college students to travel to Ghana in 2023, using art as a means to foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. This initiative resonates with Floyd’s research interests, which include multicultural art education, interdisciplinary art instruction, and the documentation of folk traditions through photography.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Floyd serves as the professor of record for the state education department’s Curriculum Leadership Institute in the Arts since 2002. She also directs the Young Artist’s Workshop, empowering art education majors to design and deliver comprehensive instructional units to children from the Midlands. Notably, Floyd offers scholarships to underrepresented youth to participate in this program, furthering her commitment to equitable access to arts education.
The recipients of this year’s Governor’s Award for the Arts will be honored during a broadcast on South Carolina ETV in mid-May. As part of the recognition, a short film produced by a South Carolina filmmaker showcasing Floyd’s achievements will debut.
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