Bex Ferrell, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Arts Management

Dr. Rebecca A. Ferrell (they/she) is a dance advocate, artist, educator, consultant, and researcher. They hold a BFA in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MFA in Dance from Arizona State University, and a PhD in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky, the first program of its kind in the United States.

Their research interests focus on equitable practices in the dance sector, specifically traditional transactional procedures, labor rights, pay equity, and performing arts unions. Rebecca is currently an Assistant Professor of Arts Management at the College of Charleston and a Special Projects Consultant for Dance Data Project®, an organization that utilizes metric-based analysis to promote gender equity in the dance field.

They have also served on advisory and grant panels throughout the US, including the National Endowment for the Arts, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, United States Artists, the Arts Education Partnership Council, and Virginians for the Arts, where they were a member of the Legislative Committee. Rebecca has held academic positions at American University, Arizona State University, Shenandoah Conservatory, University of Illinois, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Their previous professional positions include Director and Curator of the Flatlands Dance Film Festival, Executive Director of Dance Metro DC, and the Director of Programs for Dance/USA, the national service organization for professional dance.

Education

Ph.D., Arts Administration
University of Kentucky

MFA, Dance
Arizona State University

BFA, Dance and Choreography
Virginia Commonwealth University

Courses Taught

ARTM 225: The Art of Creativity
ARTM 350: Fundraising and Grantwriting in the Arts
ARTM 420: Policy in the Arts
ARTM 499: Bachelor's Essay