11/06/2026
After a nationwide search and rigorous selection process, the City of Gastonia Government and the museum's Board of Trustees have announced the new Director of The Schiele Museum. Congratulations to Assistant Director, Tony Pasour, who will step into his new role on November 9, 2026.
Mr. Pasour began his museum career in 1993, working as an outreach educator. In 2000, he was hired as the Head of Education for the museum. He was promoted to Head of Interpretation in 2010, and was named Assistant Director in 2023. Mr. Pasour holds a master's degree in Public Administration.
During his three decades at The Schiele, Mr. Pasour developed summer day camps, large-scale public events (including Fossil Fair), and an after-school enrichment program. He originated many memorable exhibit projects, ranging from swamps and rainforests to reptiles and pirates. Most recently, he led the development and implementation of the newly-built Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs. Mr. Pasour has also managed the James H. Lynn Planetarium, helped replicate historic structures, led excursions in search of dinosaur fossils, and wrangled various live animals, including alligators, opossums, and even bison!
“The Schiele Museum has provided me with incredible life experiences and a dream career in public service,” Mr. Pasour says. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next leader of this distinguished organization.”
