Skip to main content

Delta State names interim executive director for the Bologna Performing Arts Center

By July 6, 2012General

Laura HowellDelta State University has named Laura Howell as interim executive director for the Bologna Performing Arts Center.  Howell has served the last two years as arts education coordinator for the BPAC.

“I am pleased that Laura Howell has accepted the responsibility as interim executive director for the Bologna Performing Arts Center,” said Dr. Myrtis Tabb, associate vice president for finance and administration.  “Laura has done an exceptional job as the arts program coordinator and  she has been instrumental in bringing external funding and exciting new programs to the BPAC.   I look forward to working with her in this new leadership role.”

A native of the Netherlands, Howell grew up in North Carolina and attended college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she served as president of the university’s Pan-Hellenic Council.  She is a Teach For America alumna and taught for two years at Carver Elementary School in Indianola.

Howell has accomplished much during her tenure with the BPAC including:

  • Coordinating the Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute for the past two summers
  • Reinstating the residential component of the Summer Arts Institute
  • Establishing a scholarship program to provide free student tickets for the School Time Matinee Series
  • Writing competitive grants to secure external funding for the BPAC’s educational outreach and programming
  • Planning and coordinating the School Time Matinee Series for area schools and families
  • Howell was selected as one of 12 applicants nationwide to form a national partnership with the Kennedy Center through their Partners in Education Program

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue the university’s goal of connecting our region with the Bologna Performing Arts Center.  The BPAC brings world class arts experiences to the Delta, showcases regional talents, provides educational programming, and serves as a cultural touchstone for the area,” said Howell.

Howell resides in Leland with her husband Frank and son Erik. She serves on the board of directors for the Delta Children’s Museum and the Leland Chamber of Commerce and is a Vestry Member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

BPAC executive board member Amanda Turner is pleased with the selection of Howell.  “I am excited that Laura Howell will be serving as the interim executive director of the Bologna Performing Arts Center,” said Turner.  “As a member of its executive board and the programming committee, I am looking forward to working with Laura and I know her enthusiasm and leadership will lead to a great 2012-2013 season.”

Bologna Performing Arts Center
The Bologna Performing Arts Center, a multi-disciplinary facility, opened its doors September 1, 1995.  The Center houses the 1178 seat Delta & Pine Land Theater and the 135 seat Recital Hall.  The Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University has earned recognition as one of the premier houses for entertainment and arts in Mississippi and the Southeast.  Just recently, the BPAC earned top honors as The Best Performing Arts Venue in Mississippi, as voted on by the readers of Mississippi Magazine.

The state-of-the-art facility was built in 1994 through state funding from the Mississippi legislature, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and educational programs to serve the entire Mississippi Delta. The center attracts quality programming, superb artists and powerful performances to enrich, entertain and strengthen our Delta community.  In addition, the Bologna Center has demonstrated its commitment to arts education and developed the Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute, which provides a comprehensive training program in all arts disciplines.
 
For more information, visit the Bologna Performing Arts Center web site at www.bolognapac.com.