








Robert Hutchens, executive director of the Clayton Center for the Arts, is a native of Blount County and has lived in Blount County most of his life.
He attended Maryville College and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, earning degrees in theatre and foreign language education.
For a number of years, he worked as a teacher and arts administrator in the UT Theatre Department before joining the Peace Corps and going to Thailand as an English teacher. Upon his return, he continued his career in theatre, working for the Bijou Theatre Center as actor, director and administrator.
In 1988, he began teaching English as a Second Language at Maryville College in the Center for English Language Learning. He served as an assistant director and an international recruiter, as well.
Members of the Advisory Board are appointed by the College, the City of Maryville, and the City of Alcoa.