Day: March 25, 2026

By Mark A Leon

If you’re looking for a meaningful, creative, and distinctly Charleston experience this spring, Art Charleston is one you shouldn’t miss. Taking place April 22–26, 2026, this five-day celebration—hosted by the Gibbes Museum of Art—brings together artists, thinkers, and the community through immersive events, lectures, and hands-on experiences. 

At its core, Art Charleston is about connection—connecting people to art, to ideas, and to each other. Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or just curious, participating gives you access to behind-the-scenes perspectives, inspiring conversations, and unforgettable moments that reflect the city’s vibrant creative culture. 

Why You Should Participate

• Engage with artists and experts through panels, lectures, and workshops
• Experience Charleston’s creative energy in a uniquely immersive setting
• Support the local arts community and cultural institutions
• Discover new perspectives through visual art, design, and storytelling
• Enjoy a mix of social and educational events for all interests

🌟 Top Highlight Events

• Art of Design (April 22, 2026)
  A stylish kickoff luncheon and lecture blending art, architecture, and design
  🔗 https://www.artcharleston.org/
• Gibbes on the Street (April 23, 2026)
  A lively street party celebration with art, music, and community vibes
  🔗 https://www.artcharleston.org/
• Panels, Lectures & Tours (April 22–26, 2026)
  Daily programming connecting attendees with artists and ideas
  🔗 https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/
• Artisan Fair (April 26, 2026)
  A community market showcasing local makers and creatives
  🔗 https://www.charlestoncvb.com/events/art_charleston~24657/

Art Charleston isn’t just an event—it’s an invitation to see the world differently. In a city known for its rich culture and artistic heritage, this festival stands out as a must-attend experience that blends tradition with fresh, modern creativity. Whether you attend one event or the full lineup, you’ll walk away inspired—and maybe even looking at Charleston in a whole new way.

Photo Credit: Art Charleston

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The Citadel Board of Visitors announced today that they have selected Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.), ’79, to serve as the 21^st president of The Citadel.

Gen. McKenzie, one of the four finalists selected by the presidential search committee earlier this spring, is currently serving as the Executive Director of the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute and the Executive Director of the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, also known as Cyber Florida.

“The Citadel is incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to bring Gen. McKenzie back to campus as the 21^st President,” said Greg Delleney, ’74, chairman of the BOV. “We had an outstanding pool of candidates and an exceptionally strong shortlist of finalists making this decision extremely difficult. Having Gen. McKenzie, with his experience as a theater commander and an academic institution leader, agree to lead The Citadel is a reflection of the outstanding institution we currently have and our bright future.”

“I am honored and humbled to come home to The Citadel,” said McKenzie. “This is where it all began for me. I look forward to giving back some of the things that were given to me during my time as a cadet. Marilyn and I are excited and energized about the opportunities ahead.”

McKenzie also said, “I would also like to take a moment to recognize the remarkable things that my classmate and friend, Gen. Glenn Walters, has done for our college. He and Gail have given it their all. I also want to thank the Board of Visitors for their faith in me. It will not be misplaced. We’re excited about getting to work!”

The BOV voted on the morning of Saturday, March 21, just as the college marked its 183^rdbirthday with the annual Corps Day celebrations. The vote for McKenzie was unanimous.

A career infantry officer, McKenzie was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at The Citadel, where he majored in English. Over more than four decades of service, he held a wide range of command and staff positions, including serving as Commander of Marine Forces Central Command and Director of the Joint Staff. His final military position was as the Commander, United States Central Command where he was responsible for all US military operations in a vast area of the world covering the Middle East and South Asia.

McKenzie holds an advanced degree from The Citadel Graduate College and is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College as well as the School of Advanced Warfighting. He was a Commandant of the Marine Corps Fellow at the National Defense University.

Since retiring from active duty, McKenzie became the Executive Director of the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute in May 2022. In July 2022, he also became the Executive Director of the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, also known as Cyber Florida.

The current president of The Citadel, Gen. Glenn M. Walters, USMC (Ret.), ’79, will retire at the end of June 2026. He announced his retirement in December of last year, following nearly 50 years of service to his country and his alma mater. Under General Walters’s leadership, The Citadel has undergone significant infrastructure, academic and financial improvements. McKenzie will inherit a high-performing institution that is ranked as the #1 Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report. 

The new President is scheduled to begin his tenure at The Citadel on July 1, 2026.

Source: The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

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