Farmington Hires New Museum Director

 “Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”

From the City of Farmington

June 6, 2025

The City of Farmington is pleased to announce Nathan Augustine as the new Director of the Farmington Museum System. Nathan began his role in April and brings more than three decades of museum experience and cultural leadership to the position.

 Most recently from Iowa, Nathan spent 14 years as curator for John Deere’s acclaimed art and historical equipment collections, where he showcased both the iconic green tractors and a world-class art collection designed to foster global awareness and creativity. His work has led him to museum collaborations around the world, including in London, Paris, Montreal, and Madrid.

 “Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”

 Nathan’s museum career began at Brigham Young University’s Museum of Art and has since spanned four art and history institutions, a corporate collection, and the launch of three new museums. He also served as President of the Board for Quad City Arts, advocating for arts education and cultural initiatives throughout the Midwest.

 Outside of his professional accomplishments, Nathan is an avid explorer with a love for rockhounding, genealogy, vexillology, and even Lego building. He and his wife have long envisioned Farmington as their ideal retirement destination and are now excited to call the Four Corners home.

 The Farmington Museum System is an amazing place. I've been very impressed with the staff and with the community's support for the museums. I’m eager to get to know all of you and work together to make the Farmington Museum System a thriving cultural hub and a true point of pride for our community, said Nathan Augustine, Director of the Farmington Museum System.

 With deep roots in both history and innovation, Nathan looks forward to building on the museum’s strong foundation and working with the community to expand its cultural reach and impact.

 For more information about the Farmington Museum and upcoming programs, visit FarmingtonMuseum.org.

More from Local News

  • Update: Driver Cited for Street Racing (video)

    The driver of the red Toyota Supra, 22-year-old Kalynn Kenworthy, was charged with racing on highways. Kenworthy has an extensive history of traffic violations, including citations for racing in August 2025 and in 2023, as well as more than seven speeding citations within the past four years, each averaging more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Additional charges are pending against the driver of the white passenger car.

  • Dineh Benally Pleads Guilty to Charges from Illegal Marijuana Farms

    According to court documents, from approximately January 2018 to November 2020, Benally, 48, and his co-conspirators established over 30 farms, covering more than 400 acres, on land obtained from Navajo Nation members. To fund this illegal enterprise, Benally and a co-conspirator traveled to California and created front companies to solicit Chinese investors. These investors were charged cash fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for counterfeit cannabis cultivation licenses.

  • Three Injured in Farmington Shooting, Suspect Arrested

    It was discovered that several individuals had been injured. A juvenile sustained a graze wound, a 16-year-old was shot in the leg, and an 18-year-old was shot in the chest and transported to Albuquerque in critical condition. The vehicle involved in the crash is connected to the shooter. At this time, the shooter has been identified as an 18-year-old male.

  • Woman Injured in Shooting, Suspect Arrested

    As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.

  • Arrest Made in Fatal Hit & Run

    Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly.  At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.

  • Candidates File for Municipal Elections

    Candidates filed for municipal elections today. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Thundery shower

    High: 84°F | Low: 57°F

  • Durango, CO

    Thundery shower

    High: 73°F | Low: 48°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Thundery shower

    High: 88°F | Low: 55°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Thundery shower

    High: 84°F | Low: 54°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thundery shower

    High: 68°F | Low: 48°F