Kayli Callahan is a 2015 graduate of Cornell University, where she earned a B.A. in the History of Art and minored in Law & Society and Studio Arts. While completing her studies at Cornell, Kayli worked as the Development & Special Events Intern at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. She is currently working at Teachers College as the Annual Fund Department intern in the Office of Development and External Affairs. Kayli plans to pursue her interests in both arts administration and law to work towards bridging the communication gap between arts administrators and governmental policy officials.

What attracted you to the Arts Administration Program at Teachers College, Columbia University? When selecting a graduate school program, I was looking for a program that would allow me to balance my specific interests in arts administration with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary core curriculum. The Arts Administration program at Teachers College, Columbia University requires that all students complete core classes, creating a platform on which students can build and explore further through electives and distribution requirements. By virtue of the College’s affiliation with Columbia University, I have access to all of the resources that the University has to offer, including opportunities to cross-register for classes at the Business School; Law School; Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation; and the School of International and Public Affairs. Access to these courses has allowed me to build a foundation in arts administration while also providing opportunities for me to specialize and refine my area of interest within the field.

How are your studies helping to advance your career goals? My courses have forced me to think critically about my role as an arts administrator. Understanding the field and its development has helped me to consider the future of arts administration and how I want to be involved in advocating for the arts.

Describe student life as a member of the ARAD community. As a member of the ARAD community, I am constantly learning from my cohort. I am introduced to new perspectives, challenged to think critically, and encouraged by my peers. The cohort model provides an engaging and diverse community of motivated students, as well as a support network, study group, and life-long personal and professional connections.