The Schiele Museum of Natural History Director Dr. Ann Tippitt has announced her pending retirement from the City of Gastonia effective before the end of the calendar year.
Dr. Tippitt joined the City at The Schiele Museum in 1989 as the Curator of Collections and was named Director in 2005. Under her leadership, The Schiele Museum has accomplished numerous significant construction and fundraising projects including the second LEED Gold-Certified building in Gaston County, the Environmental Studies Center, and a significant upgrade to the James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater.
“Dr. Tippitt has been an integral part of Gastonia for more than three decades. She lives in the City, works in the City, and champions the City like no one else. While she is leaving her role at The Schiele Museum, she will always be a valued member of our community,” said City Manager Michael Peoples.
Dr. Tippitt is originally from Arkansas. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas and completed her doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before coming to Gastonia, Dr. Tippitt worked as a research archaeologist.
Dr. Tippitt is a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Gastonia, where she has been named a Paul Harris Fellow. She has also contributed to the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Science and Technology Centers, the Southeastern Museums Council, the North Carolina Grassroots Science Museums Collaborative, the Society for American Archaeology, the Southeastern Archaeology Society, and the Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee. She is also a passionate member of Gastonia’s Sister Cities community initiative. In 2023, Dr. Tippitt was awarded the coveted Order of the Longleaf Pine award for service to her community.
“I am grateful to the City of Gastonia, The Schiele Museum Board of Trustees, and Schiele staff. It has been a pleasure to work with so many over the 37 years that I have been at the museum,” said Dr. Tippitt. “I hope I have made a positive contribution to the overall success and growth of The Schiele and the City, and I am grateful for the many talented collaborators and coworkers who have walked this path with me over the years.”
After retiring, Dr. Tippitt is looking forward to traveling more often and intends to continue assisting The Schiele Museum as a volunteer.
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Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.