Hi there! I’m Olivia Hackney, and I am honored to join the WFSU Public Media team as the Ready To Learn Coordinator. This job will fulfill my passion for giving people access to quality education regardless of their background.
My journey started in Atlanta, Georgia where I was born and raised. I received my Bachelor in Arts at the University of West Georgia where I studied and worked with various artistic mediums. I enjoyed creating art that centered around the lessons and words of wisdom my family taught me. Although I enjoyed the creative process of art, I wanted to explore art history and understand the research process. I packed up my life in Atlanta and moved to Tallahassee.
I completed a Master of Arts degree in art history with a focus in museum and cultural heritage studies. My final capstone research centered on food traditions in West Africa and among African Americans. During my time at Florida State, I presented research on museum governance with Dr. Susan Baldino at the Florida Association of Museums conference. I have also interned at The Grove Museum where I assisted in creating learning materials for public programs. I am also involved in non-profit work by teaching art to kids and adults on the autism spectrum. I have collaborated with the local organization MPAC and the statewide organization Arts4All.
I am passionate about making history accessible to the general public and enjoy finding unique ways to teach history, such as through agricultural practices and the culinary arts.
Joining the WFSU family is a chance for me to give back to an organization that ignited my passion for learning and curiosity at a young age. I hope to collaborate and learn with community partners and make learning an enjoyable experience for everyone!