David Culpepper (Class of 2020)

David Culpepper currently serves the Senior Preparator at the Mobile Museum of Art. Prior to this role, he began his museum career volunteering at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park where he was hired as a Museum Technician, Exhibit Designer, then Associate Curator. It was while doing volunteer work he discovered a passion for creating exhibits, working with museum professionals, learning about cultures, and educating through exhibitions. It was then he began looking into the anthropology and museum studies courses offered at the University of South Alabama.

He received his B.A. in Anthropology from USA in 2020 with a minor in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Upon graduation he was promoted to Exhibit Designer. His discipline was honed by the rigorous programs offered by the Anthropology program, yet more importantly by the observed professionalism and passion displayed by his professors. It was suggested through his advisor that he minor in GIS, which turned out to be an invaluable resource in problem-solving software and projects related to designing exhibits and museum layouts. Additionally, the museum studies program offered insight into the complexities of museum standards and practices and provided an edge on becoming a museum professional.