Dr. Nancy McCartney, the long-time curator of zoology for the University Museum, died Aug. 3, 2018. A memorial celebration of McCartney's life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 901 Cleveland St., Fayetteville, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. A reception will follow.

McCartney was a curator at the University Museum for 44 years, from 1974 until her retirement in 2018, making her the longest serving museum staff person to date. As curator, she successfully organized and maintained the University Museum's zoological collection. In 1980, her management of the zoology collection contributed to the museum's successful application for accreditation by the American Association of Museums.

When the collections moved from Vol Walker Hall in 2001 into the new University of Arkansas Museum Collections Facility, McCartney applied for grants to purchase preservation-quality museum cabinets to house the collections. She was successful in receiving four Institute of Museum and Library Services grants and one National Science Foundation grant to rehouse the collections.

Throughout her career, McCartney engaged in educational outreach. From 1995 to 2003, she ran museum's Discovery Room, developing and implementing science education curricula for K-12 students. In addition, she curated exhibits, gave presentations, led tours of collections, and assisted students in any way she could. She was active in numerous organizations, such as Sigma Xi, the League of Women Voters, the Ozark Society, Book Club, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

The family invites the university community to join them on Saturday, Sept. 22, for a celebration of Nancy's life and commitment to the university and to lifelong learning.

Nancy McCartney among the University Museum zoological exhibits.