Biography
Dr. Julia L. Hovanec has been an influential art educator for over 38 years, beginning her career as an elementary and middle school art teacher in The School District of the City of York. In 2011, she earned her doctorate from Capella University, focusing her research on pre-service art educators, professional identity construction, and reflective practice.
At Kutztown University, Dr. Hovanec is a dedicated professor and mentor to undergraduate and graduate art education students. A key aspect of her role is supervising student teachers, guiding them in their professional growth and development. She also served as department chair from 2017 to 2020 and again in 2023, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the Kutztown University.
Dr. Hovanec is an active speaker and presenter, sharing her expertise at local, regional, state, and national conferences. She has led many professional development workshops and seminars, focusing on interdisciplinary teaching and learning, literacy, visual literacy, art criticism, picture books, and reflective practice.
Her contributions to art education have been widely recognized. In 2019, she was honored as the Outstanding Higher Education Art Educator Award recipient by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association. Additionally, she served as the 2022-2023 NAEA/Crayola Creativity Ambassador and is currently an active member of an NAEA Delegates Assembly Ad Hoc Committee.
Through her teaching, research, and leadership, Dr. Hovanec continues to inspire the next generation of art educators while shaping the evolving discourse on art education.
