Shannon Aldridge (1999)

Current: Owner Slant Media, a creative agency which specializes in production, web applications, development, marketing and public relations. Past: NBC News (New York), NBC Sports, NBA Entertainment, and Major League Baseball.

"The Art Administration program helped me prepare for what I like to say is the "overall picture between the creative and business aspects". It helped me understand what both sides are thinking and how to effectively communicate each ones issues, while also moving ahead with what will be the big picture. This unique skill set becomes more apparent each day as I see others struggle with day-to-day task not understanding how their roles as team players factor in. It's having the vision to understand all of these elements of art, business, and communication that helps me lead them all down a single productive path."

Rebecca Amsler (1999)

Current: University of Kentucky Department of Theatre, Administrative Support Associate.

"What drew me to the Arts Administration degree was a balance of both the right and left side of my brain.  I'm a multi-tasker and thrive in an artistic atmosphere. I'm thrilled to be back in the College of Fine Arts and impressed with how much the Arts Administration program has grown.  I find the students enrolled in this program tend to be over-achievers and are often task-masters who juggle multiple responsibilities with success. Both Michael and Roger should be commended for strengthening this program."

Erine Anderson (2005)

Current: Buttonwood Park Zoological Society(New Bedford, MA), Volunteer Services Coordinator. Past: Jane Goodall Institute, Program Assistant.

"The Arts Administration program has proven extremely applicable to all aspects of my current position. The program taught me not only the ins and outs of working within a non-profit business, but also gave me the skills I needed to design a variety of marketing materials, create promotions for special events, and feel confident in the quality of my requests for grants and donations. The program was provided me with a degree that set my resume apart, and brought it to the top of the stack in the eyes of David Prentiss, Executive Director of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society."

Kim Baker

Current: The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Senior Vice President of External Affairs.

"At the time, a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration was very new and the degree, with the accompanying internships, gave my resume a level of expertise and depth other's didn't have upon graduation. I had a competitive edge. Having spent the majority of my life studying music, the program gave me a broad education to a wider range of arts. This gave me many more career opportunities and allowed me to transition easily to a performing arts center that offers a variety of programs."

Heather Weston Bell (2001)

Current: The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Vice President and Executive Director for the Governor's School for the Arts.

"UK's Arts Administration laid the foundation for me in understanding the breadth of the field, as well as the opportunities available to students with such a skill-set. I had the opportunity to complete internships that ultimately paved the path for my first full-time arts administration position. My work in the Arts Admin. program at UK continued to open my eyes to the importance of the field, whether the focus is in advocacy, development, education, community art, or finance."

Pamela Bischoff (2001)

Current: WMMT Radio (Appalshop's Radio Station), Development Director.

"The Arts Administration program at UK is designed to develop critical thinking, visioning, strategic planning and leadership skills; and also teaches the core areas of non-profit administration. Being an Arts Administration major at UK naturally helps one develop a network of organizations and individuals that are invaluable in the working world."

Carrie Blake (2000)

Current: Webb Management Service (New York City), Management Consultant.

"I left UK immediately employable with a foundation that at first allowed me to successfully advance the missions and artistry of diverse creative organizations as a fundraiser, marketer, educator and producer. My coursework and related experience taught me to speak the language of artists and arts organizations, but also gave me the knowledge and credibility necessary to communicate and collaborate with trustees, businesses, and government leaders. Without question, I owe my unique success and position to the content and leadership of the Arts Administration Program at UK."

Quiana Clark-Roland (2007)

Current: Drexell University, Graduate School in Arts Administration and Administrative Assistant at The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

"The Arts Administration Program at UK introduced me to key concepts, skills, and tools needed for the field. It also served as a great social networking tool, by collaborating with other students and receiving hands-on internship experiences and training. Most importantly I believe, it taught me how to think analytically about the arts field, my community, and the surrounding environment."

Shannon Cline (2004)

Current: Lexington Philharmonic, Orchestra Manager and UBS Chamber Music Festival of Lexington, Festival Director.

"Core curriculum courses in marketing, development and financial management of arts organizations; cross-curriculum classes in accounting and public speaking; and capstone courses like presenting arts events have given me the basic toolbox of skills I needed to launch and run a successful chamber music festival... My internships gave me the experience and connections to find employment in the sometimes insular arts management market. I would not have gained entry nor had credibility in the arts workforce without my degree from UK's arts administration program."

Brea Cox (1998)

Current: Gallagher Financial Systems (Nashville, Tn.), Team Leader.

"Without a doubt, my training at UK gave me the tools to be confident to volunteer for all aspects of putting together both one-time and long-term events. I certainly might not have an arts job, but in my volunteer life I try to put my skills to use as often as I can and provide insight when needed."

Julia Curiel (2006)

Current: The Lexington Art League, Program Coordinator.

"I feel that the Arts Administration Program at UK has proven invaluable in that it gave me a solid foundation on which to build my skills in the non-profit sector by teaching me how non-profits work, and how they can be improved. Our organization is under-going a strategic planning process, and without the prior knowledge that I obtained from UK, I would probably not understand the significance and impact that this process has on our organization."

Sean Cutshall

Current: University of Kentucky, Law Student; Bluegrass Area Jazz Association, Board of Directors.

"The contacts and skills that I learned in the program are absolutely invaluable in my work with BAJA. After graduation, I plan to continue working in some fashion in the music industry (for-profit or not-for-profit remains to be seen) and I expect to put my Arts Admin skills into frequent practice."

Ebony Deaderick

Current: Fayette Mall, Macy's, Clinique Manager.

"The Arts Admin. Program prepped me for planning and executing events, meeting deadlines, and working with a diverse group of people. These are key tools for being a successful manager. Arts Programs in schools as well as in the community give people the opportunity to express their emotions, and passion for life. I loved the Arts Admin. Program because it taught me how to be a creative business leader, as well as make people happy by exposing them to the arts."

Jason Dilday (2004)

Current: The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Programming Coordinator.

"The training in school helped me to be more prepared for what to expect in the non-profit world...also my experience with SAB helped to put what I learned in the classroom into real life situations."

Kristyn Disponette (1999)

Current: Edmon Design, Account Manager Past:Lexington Philharmonic, Marketing Director.

"The Arts Administration Program gave me a solid foundation for working in the non-profit sector of theatre/ communications and prepared me for the work ahead. Between the courses and the internships, I graduated knowing I had received the education and preparation I needed for my first job."

Kara Eads (2000)

Current: The Music Box (Edinburgh, Scotland), Manager Past: Lexington Children's Museum, Director of Exhibits.

"The Arts Administration program at the University of Kentucky gave me the confidence and skills necessary to achieve my goals. The spectrum of fine art, arts management and business classes both honed my creative edge and deapened my understanding of the arts industries making it possible for me to contribute to the art community both in the US and internationally. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and looked forward to going to class everyday."

Erin Eggers (2006)

Current: Motorola Two-Way Dealers (Chicago), Account Manager.

"I got out of the program a solid base of knowledge in music/art/business. I think it was one of the best blend of subjects because it can be used for so many careers due to the versatility. You can go into marketing, non-profit, advertising, or pretty much any creative outlet. I came out of college prepared to enter the working world due to the amount of internships, practicums and hands on experience I had with the major."

Rasheedah El-Amin (2007)

Current: Headley-Whitney Museum, Membership and Administrative Services.

"Not only did I receive a great overview of the arts in general through the Arts Administration Program, I was also encouraged to intern in two locations. One of my internships was the Headley-Whitney Museum, which I now work at full-time.

Meggan Faulkner (2005)

Current: Medical Diagnostic Laboratories L.L.C., Account Manager.

"One of the major parts of my job is stepping out of my comfort zone and asking for the business. Sometimes getting a doctor and their staff to change their ways can be difficult. However, I believe the classes I took in the theatre department helped me to be able to address large offices. With a combination of those classes and my business classes required of Arts Administration I am capable of also managing over 150 accounts while bringing in new business."

Carolina Fernandez

Current: Lexington Public Library, Multicultural Liaison, Finishing Masters in Library Science.

"I became aware of the tremendous work that must take place backstage" for arts to happen. Learning this taught me that good organizational skills, although often passed unnoticed, are essential for an institution's success, especially when funding is scarce and expense justification is continuous."

Julienne Foster (1996)

Current: The Kentucky Historical Society, Museum Registrar and Textile Specialist.

"Kentucky is fortunate to have this unique program. I was able to use this degree as a springboard for a highly meaningful and intellectually challenging career in museum preservation and curation. Having worked in the field for twelve years, in various institutions around the country, I can say with confidence that this program prepared me to compete successfully.”

Shamick Gaworski (1998)

Current: University of Kentucky Agricultural Communications, Web Developer.

"The program opened a lot of doors for me after graduation. The business and marketing classes teach one to think qualitatively and quantitatively. The art part of the program lets one think outside the box. Such skills make a candidate quite attractive for employment in variety of places not limited to non-profit arts institutions."

Anna Girard

Current: University of Kentucky, Law Student. Past: Woodford County Theatrical Arts Association.

"The most important thing I got out of the program was definitely the hands-on training and the contacts at various organizations in town and out of town through my internships and practicums. Additionally, I developed a number of unique skills in technology especially and gained an appreciation of leading people and interacting with others, especially difficult patrons, on a day-to-day basis."

Kristina Griesshaber (2006)

Current: Speed Art Museum, Supervisor of Visitor Services and Museum Shop.

"The Arts Administration program taught me how to take the sensibilities of business and use them in the art world. This led me to strive for a career that was not only practical but also satisfying."

Amy Hettinger (2000)

Current: Harvard Graduate School of Education, Student.

"The Arts Administration Program at UK gave me a solid introduction to the world of nonprofit arts management. The program, with its broad and flexible focus, allowed me to explore a variety of engaging and useful disciplines while also encouraging the development of my own personal musical artistry and understanding of the arts."

Karen Hornberger (1997)

Current: Eastern Maine Medical Center, Manager of Admissions, and working on MBA at Husson College. Past: Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Electrician: Small Regional Theatre in Maine, Production Stage Manager.

"The most valuable part of my education from UK in the Arts Administration program is opportunity I had to learn about multiple aspects of the business world. Whether I was studying economics in corporate America or the legal responsibilities you have when producing a Broadway show the information was current and relevant. I don't work in the arts any longer but the program still provided me with a solid base of knowledge that I can apply in any business setting."

Michael Ibrahim (2003)

Current: All Newton Music School, Director of Development and Emerson College, Arts Administration Teacher. Past: Arts Administration Masters Degree from Boston College; Barrington Stage Company, Box Office Manager; Stoneham Theatre, House Manager.

"I was extremely lucky to find UK's Arts Administration. Having a solid training in fundraising and nonprofit management really prepared me for graduate school and my career in development. Now I can share the same lessons I learned at UK as a teacher at Emerson College, Boston."

Chase Jennings (2004)

Current: Station 3 Entertainment, Client Manager.

"My training and degree in ARTS ADMINISTRATION from the University of Kentucky enable me to pursue my dream of working in the arts in New York City. Several UK Arts Admin grads are making their mark in the competitive New York Arts scene."

Jessica Kepler (2004)

Current: Brooklyn Information and Culture, Special Events Coordinator. Past: New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, IMG Artists, Merkin Concert Hall, Manhattan School of Music.

"The Arts Administration program gave me insight into running a non-profit, how to raise money and what to expect in development roles, and hearing from other graduates from the program, I felt I was prepared to face a lot of the challenges of working in this field.  The program itself helped me land a highly coveted internship at IMG Artists, which helped me to further launch my career in NYC."

Amanda Kool (2003)

Current: Northeastern University, Attending Law School. Past: Theatre Workshop (Owensboro), Education Coordinator; Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra, Assistant Manager Subscriptions Campaign.

"My degree in Arts Administration allowed me to combine all of my passions -- the arts, performance, activism, nonprofit administration, organizing, and arts education, among others -- into one experience at the University of Kentucky. I have been able to put my knowledge of 501(c)(3) status, administrative 'diplomacy,' and other skills I received at UK to work, while adding new legal skills that complement my prior experience."

Kristin Kopperud (2004)

Current: Stetson University, Biology Student. Past: UK Art Museum, Curatorial Assistant, Robert C. May Photography Endowment Lecture Series, Coordinator.

"I would highly recommend the Arts Administration Program to anyone interested in a career in the arts, whether it be visual art or music or dance. The faculty members are very knowledgeable and personable, and the department is a close-knit group of creative people."

Jennifer Levine (2006)

Current: Bluegrass Youth Ballet, Administrative Director.

"My degree in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky was instrumental in preparing me for my current work. The curriculum provided me with the knowledge, tools, and skills that have helped BYB grow into one of the premier cultural arts training enterprises in the area. Many of the projects, research, and practices I studied at UK have been used directly on the job."

Dani Luckett (2000)

Current: University of Wisconsin Foundation, Donor Relations Coordinator.

"The University of Kentucky's Arts Administration program allowed me to obtain and succeed in a great mid-level position at a distinguished arts organization immediately following graduation. I gained an understanding and sincere appreciation for the difference between for-profit and non-profit arts organizations. Since then, my career has centered on helping non-profit organizations move their businesses forward."

Sam Mannino (1998)

Current: Greater Louisville Inc. - The Metro Chamber of Commerce, Manager of Education and Workforce Development. Past: The Metro Chamber of Commerce, Manager of Arts and Cultural Attractions Council.

"Not only did the program teach me how to focus my career in the arts, but it also prepared me to work in any business sector, whether for-profit or not-for-profit. Most assuredly the business lessons I learned apply to any work I find myself doing and most importantly the intense focus on Development has truly paved the way for me to hone my writing abilities. I don't think I would be where I am today without the education that I received, it opened my eyes and most certainly now is opening doors."

Angie McFadden (2005)

Current: New Mother and Hurst Music, Part-time Bookkeeper.

"I don't work full time anymore since my daughter was born, but part of what I still do is book keeping - I use the computer daily at Hurst to keep track of sales, etc. so I am really glad the computer classes were offered."

Adam Miller (2001)

Current: A Chorus Line at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (New York City), Company Manager

"My experiences in the Arts Administration program helped shape me into the theatre professional I am today. The resources and experience I gained from the program immediately made me a top candidate for selective graduate programs and important positions within the professional theatre industry.  When I left UK, I had a foundation that allowed me to quickly achieve one of my most significant professional goals and to establish myself within the Broadway community much sooner than I had expected."

Amy Noell (2004)

Current: University of Wisconsin, Doctoral Student in Art History.

"While I am training to work in the research and curatorial fields of university-based museums, my undergraduate degree in arts management has had many lasting effects... Additionally, I use my experience in development and marketing as an exhibitions curator and in my extracurricular roles as a coordinator for various student groups."

Kaye Oberhausen (2005)

Current: The Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, Special Events Coordinator.

"I was well prepared for graduate school and was able to take my education to the next level, because of the solid foundation UK provided me. UK also encouraged me to pursue internships while in my undergraduate studies that gave me invaluable experience.  I was able to intern at The Louisville Orchestra, The Singletary Center and the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during my undergraduate studies. All of these experiences helped solidify my spot into graduate school and also helped to launch my career."

Jim Powell (2005)

Current: American Girl, Shipping Manager.

"The Arts Administration Program ar UK gave me a wide background of knowledge in basic business practices and the arts. When I could not find an arts job in the area, I was able to successfully fill a position in Marketing for a financial institution. One of the reasons I was chosen for my current position was my background and degree in Arts Administration."

Molly Reynolds (2005)

Current: Procter and Gamble, Marketing Specialist.

"Arts administration has been very valuable to my career.  Although I have chosen a path in corporate marketing, I wouldn't trade my degree experience for anything.  The program provided me with a great business base along with a great knowledge of the arts, which has given me a much broader perspective in my work.  I can understand the business foundations while also having a creative eye that others in my field may lack."

Matt Seckman

Current: Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance, Policy Underwriter

"One thing I took away from the Arts Administration program was a greater knowledge of the business world. I have also made very good use of my computer skills obtained during my time in the department. These have proven to be quite beneficial and have made me quite an asset for my company. I am often called upon to organize and present PowerPoint presentations to my company, in addition to being the go to person for all Microsoft Office programs."

Carolyn Sesbeau

Current: New Dramatists (New York City), Intern Past: Steppenwolf Theatre (Chicago), Intern.

"The Arts Administration program has shown me a wide variety of job opportunities that I would not have known existed otherwise. The program taught me the structure of non-profits so I can work towards an effective leadership position in the areas of marketing, development, finance, and artistic development. This program has been an invaluable resource in preparing me for a career after college and allowing me to work with professional artists and managers of theatre."

Lara Baker Sedlaczek (2000)

Current: Brown-Forman, Customer Service Specialist. Past: Singletary Center for the Arts, Business Manager.

"I definitely think the Arts Administration program helped me develop many of the skills that make me successful in my current job. The business classes were definitely useful, but the cultural understanding I fostered through the program is so important when you work for a company that has so many international components."

Emily Shrider (2007)

Current: LexArts Inc., Communications Specialist/ Receptionist.

"The training I received in my Arts Administration core curriculum classes, such as press release writing, InDesign skills, creative thinking and organization, have been essential to my success so far. Working in groups developing projects, creating programs and raising funds for fictional arts organizations trained my brain to consider solutions from many perspectives while trying to solve problems. This skill is needed every day."

Melissa Skaggs

Current: Kentucky Music Educators Association, Associate Director.

"The Undergraduate Arts Administration Program at UK gave me a wide background of knowledge in basic business practices and the arts. When I could not find an arts job in the area, I was able to successfully fill a position in Marketing for a financial institution. One of the reasons I was chosen for my current position was my background and degree in Arts Administration."

Rachel Spory (1998)

Current: The National Flood Insurance Program, Full-time underwriter and Olney Theatre Center for the Arts, Box Office Associate.

"My career has definitely benefited from my time in the Program. I am better able to work with a vast array of personalities on projects, I can explain things to my clients in a way that excites them and helps them to understand what we are doing, and I know that I can handle ANYTHING that comes down the line. It made me a better businesswoman."

Maia Sutton (2003)

Current: Stomp (NYC and National Tour), Assistant Company Manager. Past: Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays, Assistant to the General Manager.

"My education at UK has proven to be invaluable. My classes prepared me for my internships which in turn prepared me for the theater world. Even now while in school, I feel as though I have a "leg up" on many of my classmates because what is common knowledge to me, many are learning for the first time. It has been a long building process, but it all started with my Arts Administration experience at UK."

Brandi Tanner (2006)

Current: Brandywine Studios, Owner.

"As an art gallery owner the program, classes and instructors provided me a solid foundation upon which to build my dream. The contacts I made with fellow classmates continues to be a great source of support, encouragement and a networking pool that would have taken me years to build otherwise."

Kandace Tatum (2003)

Current: Lexington Art League, Communications Coordinator.

"The Arts Administration program at UK provided me the tools to build a successful career in the non-profit sector.The management, marketing, and development knowledge I gained from real-life scenarios in the classroom helped me to develop the skill set necessary to compete in the professional world."

Carrie Truitt (2006)

Current: University of Kentucky, Central Development Office, Planned Giving Department, Staff Support Associate

"Arts Administration gave me an opportunity to support my passion in a way that was perfect for me. Although I am not currently employed with an arts organization, I feel that the knowledge I gained in the program about development enabled me to get the job I have now and has helped me move up the ranks more quickly than I would have without it."

Chia-hsing Tsai (1998)

Current: Kaohsiung City Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Manager.

"The education I obtained at UK helped me establish a solid foundation that led me to the profession in arts administration."

Jennifer Weaver (2006)

Current: Lane Bryant, Sales Associate.

"One thing I got out of the program was computer training. I feel that I am very strong when it comes to Microsoft office. I would like to go back to school and if UK offered an Arts Admin Masters program, it could put me in a position to be able to gain more experience and perhaps teach or obtain another arts management related job."

Jacklyn "Lina" Whitaker (2007)

Current: Hilton Double Tree of Augusta, Hospitality.

"The Arts Administration program incorporates key management techniques essential to successful business practices. My training in the Arts Admin program has strengthened work ethic, productivity, people skills, and team building, all of which have proven very valuable to my career development."

Ashley Wolfe (2005)

Current: The Fund for the Arts (Louisville), Campaign Associate.

"I definitely got a lot out of the UK Arts Administration program. The combination of business, art and arts administration classes made for a well-rounded education. Some highlights were the internships I completed during the program and studying abroad in London. I gained a better appreciation for the arts through the program.  Additionally, I feel that the public speaking training was very beneficial as it is something that almost every field requires."

Jill Woodowski (2001)

Current: Illinois Institute of Art, Assistant Director of Admissions.

"The program focuses greatly on maintaining ethical business standards and practices, which is useful in any professional environment. UK's art administration program encourages arts business development while maintaining the integrity of the art and artists that they support. It was useful to be exposed to many creative arts and artistic resources… The support and encouragement of the department directors and educators continues to be valuable even years after graduation."

Shiloh West (2007)

Current: Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Assistant Box Office Manager.

"I got a lot out of the Marketing class more than anything because that's ultimately what I want to do.  Writing press releases, and creating marketing materials for real artists has really helped fine-tune my writing and desktop publishing skills. I also think the class teaching the Adobe programs are a true advantage. The projects from that class have given me something to present as examples of work for job interviews."

Greg Wood (1999)

Current: Sheehy and Associates, Media Buyer. Past: Music Theatre Louisville, Administrative Coordinator/ Office Manager/ Marketing Manager.

"I believe that my experience and training in Arts Administration has proven to be very valuable in my career development.  The "Marketing for the Arts" course helped me to hone skills that I continue to use today in advertising. The contacts that I was able to make through my arts administration internships have proven invaluable as well.  I clearly recall courses on Museum Law and Grant Writing that I was immediately able to put into effect in the workplace."

Shane Wood (2007)

Current: Past: Thirty Tigers Management, Intern.

"I feel like the program really did give me a heads up with classes like Arts Admin. Technologies where I was able to gain understanding of programs like Photoshop and Illustrator as well as using a Mac. Also, we actually did projects that pertain to what we'd actually be doing at a real job. Of course my personal favorite was where we were able to set up, promote, and help with actual concerts by well-known artists like Nickel Creek and Blues Traveler."

Nikki Wooton (2005)

Current: Savannah College of Art and Design, Pursuing Masters Degree in Arts Administration. Past: English Teacher (Korea), Americorps Program (Atlanta), Marketing Coordinator.

"I gained so much from the Arts Admin program. Michael and Roger are both great teachers who passed on their knowledge of the arts so well. For my personal interests in Music programming, I found all of my classes relevant and necessary to work in the arts."

Jenny Zeller (1995)

Current: Archeo Gallery, Key West, Gallery Manager. Past: The Haitian Art Company, Key West, Gallery Manager.

"I have found that the ideal administrator should be highly passionate and knowledgeable about the arts, be a great sales person, have a strong esthetic sense in gallery display, really know their way around a computer, and possess creative advertising and promotional skills. I found that the required internships were the most valuable in the program. The other aspect of the program that I fondly remember was the Art Professions scheduled every Friday. This really opened my eyes to ways that one can work in the world of art, not only as a visual or performing artist, but also working on an administrative level as well."