William (Tuck) Willis, Jr., Part 2&3
Description
In the second interview conducted on May 15, 2013, Tuck discusses his role as Director of Admissions and reflects on the School of Practical Art’s (SPA) efforts toward accreditation. He also explores the school’s growth and relocations, its transition to nonprofit status, and the purchase of 700 Beacon Street. Additionally, Tuck addresses budgeting controversies and the leadership transition that followed the resignation of his father, William Willis, Sr., when Tuck became president.
In the third interview conducted on May 22, 2013, Tuck reflects on the financial challenges faced by the Art Institute of Boston (AIB), along with issues related to facilities and student recruitment. He also talks about leasing property from Boston University and the renovation of 700 Beacon Street, describing the space in detail. The interview was interrupted by an unexpected visit from Robert (Bobbie) Bertis, a 1969 AIB alumnus and employee beginning in 1972, whom Tuck hadn’t seen in 20 years.
Notes:
Unfortunately, Part 3 of the interview, conducted on May 22, 2013, was not preserved due to a malfunction during the transfer of the digital file to the computer for processing. However, detailed notes taken by Alyssa Pacy during the interview are available in the field notes.
These interviews are part of a series conducted in honor of AIB’s centennial in 2012, marking 100 years since its founding.
The terms “School of Practical Art” (SPA) and “Art Institute of Boston” (AIB) are used interchangeably. The institution was founded as the School of Practical Art in 1912 and renamed the Art Institute of Boston in 1967.
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Interview Date
5-15-2013
Interview Location
Chelsea, MA
Publisher
Lesley University
Keywords
Lesley, Oral History, faculties, presidents, buildings, School of Practical Art, Art Institute of Boston (AIB), trustees, admission, degrees, budget
Disciplines
Oral History
Recommended Citation
Pacy, Alyssa, "William (Tuck) Willis, Jr., Part 2&3" (2013). AIB Leadership and Faculty. 6.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/oral_histories_aib_admin_faculty/6
