Dr. Paul J. Hustoles
Paul J. Hustoles, of Mankato, now retired, served as the chair of the Theater and Dance Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato and Artistic Director of Highland Summer Theatre for 35 years. His appointment to the Board, made by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, went into effect on July 22, 2020, and expires January 3, 2026.
Dr. Hustoles received his MA from the University of Michigan and his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. In 2020, he directed his 235th show (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), having produced over 625 shows, and he retired. He returned to MSU Mankato to direct Mama Mia! in 2021 (during the height of COVID), and in 2023 directed Something Rotten! as his official farewell. Paul is the proud recipient of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Gold Medallion of Excellence Award, being a past Chair for KCACTF Region 5, and, in 2012, he was named a Distinguished Faculty Scholar of Minnesota State Mankato.
Since retirement, he has worked for the Minnesota State Arts Board as both an Arts Board Artistic Evaluator and a Grants Reviewer for Creative Support for Organizations.
His beloved wife of 50 years is Mary Jo, and he has two children and two grandchildren.