Discovery Science Place Chief Leaving
Posted/updated on: June 12, 2011 at 8:10 am
TYLER Michael Shanklin, Executive Director for the Discovery Science Place, announced to the museum board of directors that he has accepted the position of CEO at the Kidspace Childrens Museum in Pasadena, Califirnia, as of August 1. Shanklin is a native of the southern California area, and the move will allow him to move closer to his family. DSP officials say it is also an outstanding opportunity to work with one of the premier childrens museums in the area.
It was very bittersweet to hear of the future plans for Michael and his family, expressed Colleen Colby, President of the Discovery Science Place Board of Directors. We are happy that he has found a position that allows him to be closer to his ailing father while allowing him to further his career goals of educating young children, but he will be missed as a part of the Discovery Science Place family.
Making his way to East Texas from the Discovery Gateway museum in Salt Lake City, Utah, Shanklin came to Discovery Science Place in April, 2008. Under his direction, Discovery Science Place added over 10 new exhibits with several new exhibits pending, updated an exhibit gallery, completed a lobby and courtyard remodel, and was recognized as one of the Top 25 Science Centers in the nation by Parents magazine. In 2009, Discovery Science Place was named Best Downtown Business by the Texas Downtown Business Association. Shanklin has been a member of The Tyler Rotary Club, a Leadership Tyler graduate and an Ex-Officio with Heart of Tyler Board. He has also served on the Smith County Child Welfare Board and with the Star Canyon Home Owners Association.
To celebrate the accomplishments of Shanklin and his museum team over the past three years, the community will be invited to attend a special celebration on Sunday, July 10, 2011. More details regarding the event will be announced as the date draws near.
The Discovery Science Place board of directors is forming a committee, led by Board President-Elect Henry Bell, which will perform a nationwide search for a new executive director of the 18-year old hands-on museum. We are fortunate that, with Michaels leadership, the board of directors and the museum staff have a clear vision and plan for Discovery Science Place, explained Bell. This will allow us to continue the business of providing museum guests with an engaging and fun hands-on environment while searching for the most appropriate leader for one of the Tyler areas best informal educational destinations.
According to press materials, Discovery Science Place is a non-profit, hands-on learning environment whose purpose is to open young minds to science, technology, math and cultures in order to meet the challenges of the future. Located at 308 N. Broadway in downtown Tyler, the museum is supported by grants, donations, admissions, memberships and special events. For more information, visit the website at http://www.discoveryscienceplace.org or call (903) 533-8011.
