Professor of Studio Arts Teresa Muñoz has retired following the spring 2020 semester, after serving for 47 years as an art and printmaking teacher in Loyola Marymount University’s studio arts program. In addition to teaching, her service includes leadership as chair of the art and art history department for over ten years in two separate terms.
An enthusiastic champion and caretaker of all things printmaking, Muñoz is credited with initiating 19 new studio arts courses, and established the LMU printmaking program. Muñoz’s association with LMU goes back to when she received her Marymount diploma while Loyola University and Marymount College were affiliated. She was an RSHM sister, and was integral in bringing the Marymount tradition to the Westchester campus, overseeing the early years of LMU as we now know it. As a nun, Muñoz began her teaching and service career as a part-time faculty member for three quarters starting in ’72-’73 as a substitute instructor. On this path of service over the years, she has taught all levels of students, including Core classes, electives, upper and lower division; majors as well as “tons” of non-art majors.
Muñoz provided key oversight, serving as department chair twice – a four-year term in ’91-’95 and a 6.5 term from 2006-2012. In addition to establishing the printmaking program, she instituted the current, popular and much needed 495 Advanced Studio Studies class, and proposed and oversaw the Studio Assistant program. Muñoz also represented the department as a prolific scholar and artist, participating in many exhibitions over the years, completing numerous creative works, and accepting opportunities to serve as an invited artist in countless workshops. On campus, her service was informed by her dedication to the Marymount tradition, where she was a constant and steady presence in the studio arts program as a mentor, advisor, colleague and friend.
“Our entire department extends warm congratulations to Teresa on her well-deserved retirement after many years of outstanding teaching and service,” said Saeri Cho Dobson, professor and chair of studio arts. “I am extremely grateful for your assistance, guidance, and you constant and genuine dedication to our students. Your smile, friendly attitude, and valuable advice have given many students the courage to continue on their educational journey. Personally, you encouraged me to be the best I could be as a professor and chair. I will always be thankful to you for all the hard work and effort you have put into making this department and our creative community what we are today.”
