2023 Inductee
Sandy Edwards’ career exemplifies her deep commitment to improving quality of life through arts and education. Over four decades, her leadership has provided increased access to arts and culture offerings as well as educational opportunities, with a significant focus on her adopted state of Arkansas.
Edwards joined Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2007, playing a vital role in the conception, planning, building and opening of the museum. She was instrumental in the establishment of endowments for the museum’s operations, acquisitions, and capital improvements, as well as funding that provides free admission to all and underwrites the costs of school visits for K-12 students. Serving as deputy director, Sandy managed departments responsible for growth in audiences, promoting access, private gift support, member involvement, community development, and creating a national presence. During her tenure at Crystal Bridges, the museum became a renowned cultural destination and welcomed more than 10 million people to its building and grounds.
Prior to Crystal Bridges, Edwards and her late husband, Clay, served as the management team for University of Arkansas’s development program (1998 – 2007) directing the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, and successfully building a culture of unprecedented philanthropic support for the flagship institution. The program successfully met its $1 billion goal, helping position UA as a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world. Her strategic leadership and mentorship yielded a workforce of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals and communicators who would go on to serve and lead not only at the university but other organizations throughout the state and nation impacting their philanthropic initiatives.
Photos credited by Justin Froning