Laura Schiavo Named Director of the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2026

WASHINGTON (June 26, 2026) - The George Washington University's Corcoran School of the Arts and Design has named Laura Schiavo as its next director, effective July 1, 2026. Schiavo, who currently serves as deputy director of the Corcoran and associate professor of museum studies, will succeed Lauren Onkey. Onkey will conclude her tenure as director on June 30 and will continue at the Corcoran as a full-time professor of music.

Schiavo brings extensive experience as an educator, scholar and academic leader to the role. Before serving as deputy director, she led the Corcoran's Museum Studies program for six years, guiding one of the school's graduate programs and supporting students preparing for careers in museums and cultural institutions.

"Laura Schiavo is an exemplary scholar, teacher and administrator and I'm certain that the Corcoran will thrive under her leadership," Onkey said. "It has been a privilege to work with her and our extraordinary faculty and staff in support of Corcoran students and the arts at GW."

As deputy director, Schiavo has helped guide schoolwide planning and operations, including efforts to better understand how Corcoran spaces can support program needs, student experience and future growth. In her new role as director, she will continue to prioritize thoughtful space planning, student success and satisfaction, staff collaboration, fundraising, and advocacy for the importance of the arts, design and culture within GW and beyond.

Schiavo's leadership will build on the interdisciplinary work that has become central to the Corcoran's identity, including support for faculty research and creative practice, expanded opportunities for students, and the continued activation of the school's spaces and partnerships in service of teaching, learning and public engagement.

"I look forward to building on the successes of the past years under Lauren's leadership to discover what more we can do in our classrooms, studios, practice rooms, and on stage - and especially what we can accomplish as we continue to work together across disciplines and programs," Schiavo said.

Onkey has served as director of the Corcoran during a pivotal period for the school, helping guide its work through the renovation of the historic Flagg Building, which expanded access to second-floor gallery spaces, and a reimagined partnership with the National Gallery of Art. Under her leadership, the Corcoran has continued to strengthen its academic programs, expand interdisciplinary opportunities and support students across creative and scholarly fields.

About the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design

The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at the George Washington University is dedicated to educating the next generation of cultural leaders. Part of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the school functions as an incubator for artists, designers and scholars, who learn from internationally renowned faculty at the intersection of creativity and social innovation. The school offers 22 undergraduate and graduate degrees in art history, design, interior architecture, museum studies, music, fine arts, theatre and dance.