Associate Professor of Art History and Curator of the Baker Art Collection Brett Knappe couldn’t say no to a great job opportunity. After this semester, Knappe will be leaving Baker University and beginning a new job as executive director of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Missouri.

“I wasn’t really on the market for a new job, but a friend of mine encouraged me to apply, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try for the position,” Knappe said. “Four rounds and several months later, to my surprise, I got it.”

As the executive director, Knappe will run the museum and make all of the primary decisions. Knappe will also continue teaching art, but to a broader spectrum of students.

Knappe has been at Baker University since the fall of 2007, so leaving Baker won’t necessarily be the easiest thing for him.

“I am going to miss Baker,” Knappe said. “I’ve enjoyed my time here and all of the opportunities Baker has given me.”

Senior Kelsey Vollenweider is sad to see Knappe go.

“He is a good professor,” Vollenweider said. “Art history can be a hard subject for some people to learn, but he makes it easier for students to be engaged in class, so I hope whoever fills his position can continue in his steps.”