CASSH Graduate Audrey Hemmert Accepts Dream Opportunity at NYU

July 7, 2026 | By River Fundock, Student Intern, Department of Communication | Edited by Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator

Audrey Hemmert, a Spring 2026 graduate from the University of West Florida's College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, has been accepted into the Master of Arts program in History of Art and Archaeology at New York University's prestigious Institute of Fine Arts.

The Pensacola native, who earned a double major in Art History and Philosophy, will study a broad range of visual culture, from the fine arts to street art, while taking advantage of NYU's close relationship with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and opportunities to participate in overseas archaeological research.

Hemmert faced early discouragement from pursuing higher academic pursuits in high school but committed to her dream and feels vindicated as she prepares to begin her graduate studies at NYU, one of the premier institutions for art history and archaeology. "This is a full-circle moment for me, as NYU has been my dream school since I was 12," Hemmert said.

Hemmert's academic journey in Art History began almost by chance. When transferring to UWF, she selected Art History simply to meet an upcoming registration deadline and be assigned an academic advisor. After taking her first semester of classes, however, she quickly discovered a genuine interest in the discipline. As her interest in graduate school grew, faculty encouraged her to complement her studies by adding Philosophy as a second major.

The combination proved transformative. "My philosophy studies have shaped my interests by encouraging and nurturing critical analysis in the study of art history," she said. Beyond the classroom, internships became one of the defining experiences of her undergraduate education. She completed internships with Instructor Marzia Ransom, the Pensacola Museum of Art, and the 309 Punk Project. These experiences allowed her to apply classroom knowledge through research, archival work, and community engagement.

My internships with Instructor Marzia Ransom, the Pensacola Museum of Art, and the 309 Punk Project have been amazing and the most meaningful experiences at UWF. - Audrey Hemmert, CASSH Alumna

Hemmert credits several faculty mentors with helping her prepare for graduate study. "Instructor Marzia Ransom was my advisor when I first transferred and has been a staple in my academic life," Hemmert said. "She is one of the reasons I am pursuing such an ambitious path." Hemmert also expressed gratitude to associate professor Brian Hood and Bradford Stockdale, instructor, whose encouragement strengthened her pursuit of a philosophy degree and inspired her to continue her education at the graduate level. Combining art history with philosophy gave her a unique perspective that she believes will continue to benefit her as she advances in her academic career. "My philosophy studies have shaped my interests by encouraging and nurturing critical analysis in the study of art history," she said.

Hemmert immersed herself in experiential learning opportunities that connected her classroom studies with real-world experience. Through the Pensacola Museum of Art summer internships, the 309 Punk Project archival internship, and a research internship with Ransom, she gained practical experience while contributing to community-based initiatives.

Those internships not only expanded her understanding of art history and archival work but also reinforced the importance of community engagement and professional networking. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue exploring the intersection of art, history, and archaeology through graduate study. Although she is considering pursuing a doctorate, her long-term goal is to build a career working directly with the historical objects that inspire her research, as an archaeologist or conservator.

Reflecting on her undergraduate experience, she encourages current students to seek opportunities beyond the classroom and begin preparing for their futures as early as possible.

Take as many internships as you can. They look great on resumes, but more importantly, they give you valuable experience and help you build a network of people who can support you with letters of recommendation. - Audrey Hemmert, CASSH Alumna

For students considering graduate school, she also recommends planning ahead. "It requires a decent amount of preparation, and it's a lot of work if you're doing it while you're still in school," she said. "Start early, apply to at least 10 colleges so you have options, and above all, be tenacious!"

Hemmert leaves UWF with a strong foundation built through interdisciplinary study, faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences as she prepares to begin the next chapter of her academic journey. Her story reflects the many opportunities available to CASSH students who combine intellectual curiosity with perseverance and a willingness to pursue experiences beyond the classroom.

Learn more about interdisciplinary opportunities at the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.