what do you do with a BA in English....

I was asked by my graduate school program's newsletter if I would be willing to be the "Alumni Spotlight" for the upcoming edition. I was flattered and a little excited to be asked. Below is the list of questions that I was sent to answer, with my answers. Just thought some people might find them interesting to read! =)

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Alabama.


What is your current (work) position? I am one of the Assistant Managers in Corporate and Foundation Relations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.


Where did you do your undergraduate and what did you study? I did my undergraduate study at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL and graduated in 2001 with a B.A in Theatre.


What made you choose the arts admin program? After I decided the life of an actor was not for me, I worked for a while as the assistant to a museum director at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Seeing how much work actually went into to providing arts experiences to the public made me realize that arts admin was a way that I could still participate in the arts, but in a way that best utilized my abilities. Honestly, I chose the grad program at BU because of the location in New England and because of the ability to take night classes. I knew my decision was the right one when I met with Rich for the first time and realized how much he and the other professors loved the program.


Which classes really prepared you for your current job? I would have to say that Capital Campaigns, Fundraising for Non-Profits, Financial Management, and Advanced Consulting with Janet were the classes that most prepared me for the position I have at the Kennedy Center. Each of the classes and the professors provided me with the building blocks to understand the scope and importance of development, how to approach donors, the importance of cultivation and stewardship and most importantly how to strategize multiple projects and work with other staff in order to reach your goals.


Which BU teachers influenced your choices (professionally, personally etc..) and how? Janet Bailey had a great deal of influence on me both professionally and personally. Janet has an innate and natural sense of how to approach situations and solve them effectively. She makes you want to succeed and give 100% to the project at hand. On top of that, she has a great sense of humor and takes the time to laugh and enjoy moments of fun.


If you could give advice to any arts admin students what would it be? Never settle! I feel like I live a charmed life sometimes being a small town southern boy who now gets to work for the largest performing arts center in the country. My family and friends have always supported my decisions to move where I needed to move and take the jobs that I needed to take in order to build the foundation I needed. I think not backing down and settling for less than what I really wanted was what helped me to get to the place I am today.


Why is it important to be a crusader for the arts? When you sit down in a theatre, ballet, opera or take the time to walk around in a museum, life has a way of fading into the background. There are so many problems in our world and in personal life and the arts are one of the most effective outlets for expression and escape. If we don't fight for the arts and make sure they continue long into the future, generations to come will not be able to experience that one show, that one piece, or that one song that no matter the situtation, makes you stop and smile.



Fun Questions:
What are your favorite hobbies? I love to cook, travel, visit the theatre, and play with my fantastic new mini dachshund puppy Beau!


What is your greatest accomplishment to date? As corny as it may sound, I feel like my life as a whole is my greatest accomplishment to date. I have a talented, wonderful, loving husband who makes me smile everyday, a mother who loves and supports my every move, friends across the country that have given me some of my favorites times and memories and a great job that allows me to assist in providing some of the greatest artistic and educational programs in the nation.

Where did you meet your partner? Derek and I met through our ex-roomates who had gone to college together. We first met a year before we got together while I was on my way to NH for a seasonal job and then reconnected a year later at the cast party of Mame at North Shore Music Theatre and started dating.

How long have you been together? We have been together for almost four years. We were married in MA last year in August and just recently celebrated our first year of marriage.


What words would you use to describe yourself? dedicated, friendly, and ready to laugh at all times.