The Lawrence Arts Center has flourished under six years of Susan Tate’s leadership.

Tate, who announced Tuesday that she would leave her post at the end of this year, has been a dynamic CEO willing to look to the future and take on big challenges on behalf of the Arts Center and the community. During her tenure, the Arts Center won some prestigious national grants and undertook some big projects, including the ongoing East Ninth Project. The Free State Festival has grown into a major event, and the Arts Center has become an even more pivotal player in the Lawrence arts scene. Tate was instrumental in establishing the Final Fridays art event in Lawrence and has been involved in many collaborations with other community partners both in and outside the arts.

When long-time executive director Ann Evans retired, the Arts Center board struggled to find the right person to fill the leadership role. After a couple short-term hires, board members decided to think outside the box in their search and turned to Tate, who had taught English and humanities at Lawrence High School for 20 years but had no experience with arts administration. What she did have was enthusiasm, energy and an extensive knowledge of Lawrence and the audience the Arts Center serves.

When she was hired, Tate called her new position “a dream job.” She embraced the responsibility of managing one of the city’s defining institutions and eagerly took on the challenge of making it even better.

At 53, Tate’s “retirement” is coming a little too soon for many local supporters, but she is leaving the Arts Center in great shape and giving her board ample time to hire her replacement. Board Chairwoman Joan Golden says she’s planning on “being very open” to possible candidates who, like Tate, don’t bring traditional qualifications and experience to the job. At the time, hiring Tate may have seemed like a bit of a risk, but it worked wonderfully for both the Arts Center and the community,

We wish Tate well as she pursues new interests and challenges and hope she will continue to play an active role in Lawrence’s arts scene.