Vanderbilt University’s Executive MBA Program at the Owen Graduate School of Management has selected Abby Shue, vice president of the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville, Kentucky, as this year’s recipient of a full-tuition scholarship designated for executives at not-for-profit organizations.
A one-time ballet dancer, Shue works closely with the senior management and board of directors at the Kentucky Center, helping oversee general operations and directing strategy for the 30-year-old, nationally recognized performing arts center. The four-venue arts organization is home to five resident performance companies — including the Louisville Orchestra and Kentucky Opera — and hosts more than 1,000 events per year.
“Arts administration is a large field that remains relatively undefined. Like any non-profit, we need to focus on operational effectiveness and efficiency,” Shue said. “I can’t imagine a better way to hone my managerial skills and learn to tackle complex business issues than in an executive MBA program like Vanderbilt’s. [lquote]I am truly grateful for Vanderbilt’s commitment to the non-profit sector.”[/lquote]
This year marked the first time in the executive MBA scholarship program’s eight-year history that it was open to not-for-profit executives outside of Middle Tennessee.
“We expanded the geographic reach for the scholarship this year; consequently, we received applications from numerous highly qualified not-for-profit executives,” said Juli Bennett, who oversees executive programs at the Owen School.
“I’m so pleased that Abby will be joining the incoming executive MBA class this fall,” Bennett said. “She brings to the program an infectious passion for the arts, impressive management experience, and a team-oriented perspective that will enrich not just her classmates, but the school overall.”
Owen launched the not-for-profit scholarship program in 2006 for admitted applicants coming into Owen’s highly ranked Executive MBA program, which offers a rigorous 60-credit-hour MBA curriculum. Requirements for admission include strong GMAT scores, a record of academic accomplishment, previous management experience and a formal interview. Applications are open to executives and senior staff members of any 501(c)(3) organization who have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving in the nonprofit sector.
Past recipients have included Nashville-area executives from organizations including the YWCA, Oasis Center, Siloam Family Health Center, Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee, Dispensary of Hope, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children and Monroe Harding.