Spring Healy

Graduating year: 2021

Master's Degree: Arts Administration

Where did you study before The University of Akron and what were your majors and minors?

Bowling Green State University (B.A. in English with minor in Arts Management)

What interests you within Arts Administration and why did you choose UA?

I’m drawn to arts administration because I love being behind-the-scenes making things happen. It’s one thing to be an artist, but another to produce a show or fundraise. As an arts administrator you are in the unique position of supporting artists by marketing their work, raising money so that they can continue making art, and presenting their work to audiences. It is exciting to work in a field that impacts people’s lives in such bigs ways; the arts are so crucial to us as humans! I chose The University of Akron because of the opportunity to serve as a graduate assistant in the Arts Administration office. I was already excited about the coursework, but knew that working as a GA would provide me with additional skills and experience in the field. 

What is your background in the arts?

I grew up in the arts. My mom sings in a chorale, my dad is a blues musician and record collector, and I spent a good chunk of my childhood at the Toledo Museum of Art, which was walking distance from my home. I took the obligatory piano lessons, but really found my passion with dance when I started taking ballet lessons at age seven. I attended Toledo School for the Arts for high school and knew that arts people were the people I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. 

What has been your experience so far with the UA Arts Administration program?

I’m so thrilled that I decided to attend UA for my master’s degree. The instructors and staff in the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration have been so supportive while challenging me to think in different ways. Working as a graduate assistant has also been extremely rewarding—it is empowering work on various projects for DTAA, see the results, and think, “Hey, I made that happen!” 

Are there any personal highlights or achievements you'd like to share from your time in the program?

In my first semester in the program I researched and wrote about gentrification and the arts, focusing on ways that the arts can either propel gentrification (this is a bad thing) or help neighborhoods reclaim space as their own through successful creative placemaking (this is a good thing!). Writing that paper was fun, but it also helped me realize the importance of arts admin research. This past summer I completed an internship with the National Center for Choreography in Akron adapting a previously in-person program to a virtual platform. The result was Virtual Dance Club, an audience-based program where we watched dance together and talked about it... book club style! Honestly... another highlight is simply existing as a grad student during a global pandemic. It’s... not ideal. 

What projects are you currently working on?

As the Dance Coordinator for the GA office, I’m currently working on UA’s fall dance concert, “We Dance On: A Movement Collaboration.” It’s a completely new experience producing this show because it is fully-virtual. I’m also in the planning stage of writing my master’s thesis. Fun times! 

Where do you see yourself after graduating?

I’m not 100% sure, and I think that’s okay. I’m ready to see what will happen. My goal is to work in a dance organization. My interests vary, but I’m hoping to gain experience in grant writing and fundraising. There’s another side of me that loves problem-solving and putting out fires, and could see myself as a company manager. 

Amy Mellinger

Graduating year: 2021

Master's Degree: Arts Administration

Where did you study before The University of Akron and what were your majors and minors?

The University of Akron; B.A. in Public Relations with a music minor (graduated spring 2018) 

What interests you within Arts Administration and why did you choose UA?

After my undergraduate experience at UA, I chose to come back for the arts admin program because I felt the faculty had invested so strongly in my future, and they would do so again during my masters degree. My music minor inspired me to use my PR degree for the arts community. 

What is your background in the arts?

Primarily vocal/choral music, followed by dance, I've also dabbled in theatre 

What has been your experience so far with the UA Arts Administration program?

The hands-on nature of the program is exactly what I wanted when I was looking at grad school. I've learned so much about the field during my assistantship hours and have been able to build an extensive portfolio because of the role we play in the greater Akron community. 

Are there any personal highlights or achievements you'd like to share from your time in the program?

My internship with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance during the summer of 2020 was incredible and inspiring. Without UA and the faculty who train and invest so well, I never would have been able to work with such a prestigious and influential organization. I felt the work I did with them was impactful and I came back to UA for my second year feeling equipped to graduate and enter the workforce. 

What projects are you currently working on?

The Arts Connections Series is a project I'm proud to be a part of because it expands the reach of UA arts past the walls of Guzzetta Hall. Working during a pandemic is difficult, but the opportunity it presents to bring people who aren't based in Akron anymore into contact with UA artists is something I'm very excited about. 

Where do you see yourself after graduating?

After graduation, I plan to work in arts education administration. I have a passion for creating opportunities for student artists because my arts education was so influential to how I've grown and how I continue to grow. 

DeMarcus Akeem Suggs

Graduating year: 2021

Master's Degree: Arts Administration

Where did you study before The University of Akron and what were your majors and minors?

Belhaven University - BFA in Dance 

What interests you within Arts Administration and why did you choose UA?

I've had the opportunity to work in the arts as a dance artist, educator, and administrator. These perspectives have fed both my passion and understanding that the arts play an important role in our development as creative, self-expressed, empathetic, and critical thinkers. Arts and culture help shape communities and deepen people's connections to the traditions, spirit, and cultural expression of the places they call home. I came to UA because I felt that this program would give me the skills and knowledge to be an effective culture bearer and arts leader. 

What is your background in the arts?

I danced professionally for a number of companies and projects that include Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Ballet, Verb Ballets, and Neos Dance Theatre. I've choreographed and taught ballet, jazz, and modern/contemporary dance for studios, universities, and professional companies. Currently, I'm focusing my energy on the administrative aspects of the arts. I have 10 years of experience in administrative positions such as Program Director, Education & Engagement Coordinator, Resource Synergist, Grants Consultant, and Director of Education & Outreach. 

What has been your experience so far with the UA Arts Administration program?

I think it's been tough working with a small number of faculty, but I the faculty that I've had the opportunity to learn from have been great resources in my development. I particularly appreciate the programs flexibility in taking courses outside of the core curriculum to supplement my learning. I was able to take Organizational Transformation in my first semester and it was incredible. It was a class full of MBA students whose approach to business helped me to look at my nonprofit work differently. 

Are there any personal highlights or achievements you'd like to share from your time in the program?

I had the opportunity to dive into research on Creative Placemaking, which at the time was completely out of my comfort zone. Through writing a term paper on the subject in the Research & Writing Techniques for Arts Administration course, I recognized that municipal arts policy is an area of significant interest. 

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently, I'm working as a Graduate Assistant with the National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron (NCCAkron) and leading a satellite residency project entitled Dancing Lab: BLKmenMOVES. Under the leadership of Executive/Artistic Director Christy Bolingbroke, I've been able to support the artistic and administrative development of four Black-identified, male choreographers through a shared-learning cohort model. The artists are from around the country, and include: Charles O. Anderson (Austin, TX), Kevin Lee-Y Green (Wilmington, NC), Jean Appollon (Boston, MA), and Akron-native Dominic Moore-Dunson. 

Where do you see yourself after graduating?

Upon graduation, I would like to work at the intersection of art, activism, and community vitality. There are a number of entities that do this type of work, however, I'm most interested in either a regional arts agency or foundation working to build stronger communities through strategic investments in the arts and BIPOC culture bearers. 

Rachael Reynolds

Graduating year: 2022

Master's Degree: Arts Administration

Where did you study before The University of Akron and what were your majors and minors?

Hillsdale College. BA in Fine Art, Exercise Science 

What interests you within Arts Administration and why did you choose UA?

I have spent my time since undergrad as a high school educator. I have loved instilling passion for the arts in young students and watching them light up over learning. To be an arts administrator is often doing just that with the general public. My interests fall in education and curation, as creating an exhibition is both a means of personal creation, and sharing knowledge and access to the arts with others. 

What is your background in the arts?

I hold a BA in Fine Art from Hillsdale College, and studied photography and art history at Florence University of the Arts. Though I was classically trained in drawing, painting and sculpture, my personal artwork since college is primarily photography. I am a firm advocate for interdisciplinary study as I believe working in all mediums only strengthens your creativity and skill in your concentration. This approach has often inspired me to incorporate alternative substrates and processes. My work focuses on value and sustainability of planet earth, and those that inhabit her. In addition to my personal involvement in the arts, I have worked as an arts educator, teaching fine art and art history to students 7th-12th grades in an award-winning high school art department in Arizona. I have had the honor to juror art competitions in Italy, Australia, and the United States. As both a maker and an educator, being involved in the role of a juror has been exciting. r.

What has been your experience so far with the UA Arts Administration program?

I have enjoyed the UA Arts Administration program as it has already filled so many voids I have felt needed filling in my knowledge of the arts in general. As a graduate assistant in Emily Davis Gallery, I have already had a lot of hands-on experience in a field I intend to pursue. Though my background is in visual arts, it has also been so helpful to begin to understand the inner workings of an opera or dance company. I feel that the Arts Administration curriculum and my experiences as a graduate assistant and intern will certainly prepare me for my next steps as an arts advocate and administrator. 

What projects are you currently working on?

This Fall we have executed two exhibitions in Emily Davis Gallery: Bearing Witness and Suffrage. Bearing Witness was an exhibition that was a response from regional artists on present topics of interest such as BLM, police brutality, race, LGBTQIA+ culture, and the pandemic. Suffrage is an exhibition that brings light to the long struggle women have had to earn the right to vote, to be paid equally, to exist as a full member of society, and what we can all be doing to continue the fight to be equal. Academically, I have been working on a large research project exploring the role of women in the movement to consider photography an art form. I have very much enjoyed this project and am excited to see how I can build future work off it. I have also been researching the structures of non-profit organizations, and evaluating existing art organizations such as the Public Art Fund in New York City and moCa Cleveland. 

Where do you see yourself after graduating?

I see myself working at a museum in a curatorial or educational role. This could also be an arts organization that has a large focus on investing in artists and exposing the community to the arts. No matter where I land, my role as an arts administrator means I will be advocating for access to the arts for everyone. 

Anna-Jeannine Kemper

Graduating year: 2021

Master's Degree: Arts Administration

Where did you study before The University of Akron and what were your majors and minors?

Berea College, Berea KY | Theatre Arts | Communication

What interests you within Arts Administration and why did you choose UA?

I've always been one of those people who loves creativity AND spreadsheets. Arts Administration lies at the intersection of my right brain and my left brain. The University of Akron's Arts Administration program has been producing successful graduates for decades, and I was impressed by the curriculum and the recently-streamlined degree requirements which include the option for a thesis project.    

What is your background in the arts?

My mother is a Silversmith and Painter who plays Guitar and sings. My father was a Photojournalist. My grandmother could play anything she heard by ear on the Piano, and she loved to sing, as well. My grandparents were active in the national square dancing scene, too. I was lucky to grow up in a family who encouraged me to explore both my intellect and my creativity. I'm an Actor, French Horn and Trumpet player, a Vocalist (Soprano), a Theatrical Costume Designer, an Event Lighting & Sound Designer, a Visual Artist, and a Graphic Designer.

What has been your experience so far with the UA Arts Administration program?

I am absolutely loving it! The University of Akron Arts Administration offers me many opportunities to gain both a practical classroom foundation as well as hands-on experience, particularly as a Graduate Assistant. My cohort is wonderful; it is a delight to be surrounded with such great talent with such a wide and varied experience in so many arts areas.

Are there any personal highlights or achievements you'd like to share from your time in the program?

I just completed an Appreciative Inquiry of the Graduate Assistant program as part of the requirements for a course in the School of Business (Organizational Transformation), and I had the opportunity to discuss the highlights of all of our upperclasspeople's experiences in the program in preparations for making recommendations to keep our program on its current upward trajectory.

What projects are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on the marketing plan for the University of Akron Theatre Program's Fall MainStage Production, "The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui." In addition to the usual elements you might expect, I have also arranged some interesting partnerships -- including a custom ice cream flavor at Chill Artisan Ice Cream and the support of the Summit County Voter Registration Squad.

Where do you see yourself after graduating?

My first semester business elective choice is very telling about my academic priorities. The 8-week intensive "Organizational Transformation" course was a wonderful introduction to the kind of change management initiatives where I feel a person of my talents could be particularly helpful to an arts organization. I would like to help growing organizations overcome obstacles through structuring elegant and efficient systems for their changing needs. Since the culture surrounding the arts is always changing, I see this as an essential element of perseverance for any arts organization.