Museum of the Big Bend Staff

Emily Wilkinson, Ph.D., started as museum director in January of 2026.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Wilkinson has served as Executive Director of Public Art for the Texas Tech University System and the Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Manager of Education for the National Ranching Heritage Center. She has also worked as a museum educator for the Lubbock Lake Landmark, Museum at Texas Tech University, and the Science Spectrum.

Dr. Wilkinson holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Texas Tech University. Her study focused on undergraduate student perceptions of how campus public art can create a sense of belonging. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Museum Science from Texas Tech University.

She currently serves as a board member for the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA) and the Science Spectrum, as well as the Vice President for Programs on the Texas Association of Museums’ Board of Directors. She also serves as a member of the Dean’s Council for the Texas Tech College of Education. She is a 2015 recipient of Lubbock’s Top 20 Under 40 and 2023 recipient of YWCA of Lubbock’s Women of Excellence award.

Kristi joined the museum with over 20 years of retail management, training, and HR experience at Talbot’s, Chicos, and J.Jill. She successfully managed multiple locations, ranging in volume from 1-10 million dollars and has been recognized for top performance, team building, field training and merchandising skills at all three companies. Most notably, Kristi was chosen as Brand Ambassador for Chicos FAS international launch where she researched the Canadian market, developed community relationships, recruited and trained staff, and oversaw three new store openings. Kristi plans to use her expertise to enhance the museum and gift shop experience by creating a truly unique and enjoyable place to work and volunteer that reflects the museum’s and region’s history and culture. Kristi believes continuous learning keeps individuals young and life interesting! She embraces these new experiences with her husband, Stephen and 2 Australian Labradoodles, Remi and Blaze.

“Jon Boy’s” roots & love for the Big Bend Region started in Alpine, TX, at the young age 5. The Tabor Family (J.B, Paula & Jon Boy) moved to Alpine in the late 1970s, as J.B. was the newly hired Regional Director of West Texas Utilities (WTU, now known as AEP), transferring from the Texas Panhandle at that time. Jon’s love for the area grew, as he grew up in the area, attending public school (including Jr. Historians under Jim Cullen & the love of area history, including Dr. Clifford Casey’s books, yes there are 3), graduating Alpine High in 1993. From a young age, Jon Boy started his vast collection of furniture, doodads, trinquettes (also part of his business name), & junque to treasures, that still inspire him to this day in this pastime hobby.

He then received his BA in Business Administration (minor is Psychology) from Sul Ross State University in 1998.

Upon graduation from SRSU, Jon got the bug to get out of the nest and comforts of home to spread his wings. Within his time away, he lived in Lubbock, TX (gaining his real estate license and the purchase of his first home); in 2003, moving to Dallas, TX, to pursue a new degree and professional status (receiving his AA in Funeral Direction & Embalming at DIFS); and Albuquerque, NM, for 6 short years. In May 2012, he finally made the decision to “Come Home” to his beloved Alpine, that he always held close to his heart.

Upon return to Alpine, Jon went to work for GTECH Corp (International Gaming Co. that oversaw the local tri-county area & beyond for the Texas Lottery Commission); other various positions, including AmeriCorps VISTA with RGCOG, & Assistant Director of OMB, with Presidio County, prior to applying to Sul Ross State University in December 2017. Jon started his SRSU career in the Residential Living Department as Housing Administration Specialist, followed by Collection’s Supervisor over student accounts in Finance & Operations, then onto become the Executive Assistant of Student Life Division. Jon has now received his “dream job” as Administrative Specialist for MoBB.

Watch for his “art” at various locations around town (& in the area), from painted & refinished furniture pieces, to multi-media artwork & textiles. Jon is also Papa to his precious 10 y/o Shih Tzu Furr Bebe, Aria Grace Tabor.