Kevin Strait, PhD ’10, brought Chuck Berry’s famous red Cadillac to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Strait is one of two American Studies alumni who helped assemble the museum's collection. (Photo: William Atkins)
American Studies alumni pursue a wide variety of career paths, including media, law, public service, economics, museum curation, arts and entertainment, historic preservation and urban planning. Some of our graduates have launched their own businesses, while others have pursued advanced degrees and are now teaching at learning institutions throughout the country.
Our alumni include:
Kevin Strait, PhD '10, and Paul Gardullo, PhD '06, curators at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Amy Kurland, BA ’77, founder of the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tenn.
Mark Kates, BA ’82, music artist manager who ran The Beastie Boys’ label
Betsy May-Salazar, MA ’91, chief operating officer of the National Building Museum
Susan Montgomery, MA ’99, vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
