Rate My Professor Allison McElroy

Allison McElroy is Professor of Painting and Drawing in the Department of Art and Design at Jacksonville State University, where she joined as a full-time faculty member in 2008, having worked there since 2007. A native of Anniston, Alabama, she holds a B.F.A. from Atlanta College of Art, an M.F.A. in Painting from Savannah College of Art and Design, and an Ed.D. from Auburn University. McElroy teaches courses such as Creative Thinking, Painting, Mixed Media, and BioArt, drawing from her professional fine art studio practice to allow course content to evolve dynamically.

McElroy's academic interests focus on BioArt, interdisciplinary collaborations between art and science, and engagements with natural environments. She partners with Jacksonville State University microbiologist Dr. Benjie G. Blair on research involving soil collected from all 50 U.S. states, which she uses to formulate custom oil paints and investigate microbial diodes rendered in 3D agar paintings. She founded the Naturphilia artist residency at Little River Canyon National Preserve, a two-week program for international artists to explore Alabama's canyons, forests, and waterways, culminating in exhibitions at the Gadsden Museum of Art. Under her guidance, JSU students have participated in the international Biodesign Challenge, exhibiting works at Parsons School of Design and attending receptions at the Museum of Modern Art. McElroy has undertaken residencies including Baroque Blue in Italy for earth works with international artists and a Graduate Fellowship in Lacoste, France in 2003. Her artwork Time-keeper earned jurors' top pick status from the National Association of Women Artists in New York, featured in their catalog. She has contributed to exhibitions such as Paint Rock: Drawing Knowledge from Nature at Hammond Hall and led BioArt workshops. McElroy has received multiple Outstanding Faculty Awards at JSU, including recognitions in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2023 for service and teaching excellence, and serves as a Certified Online Instructor and Faculty Senate member.