As a marketing executive, Penny Kemp had the opportunity to travel the country creating national promotions and brand campaigns for corporate heavyweights such as the Ritz Carlton and Alltel.
After more than 10 years away from her hometown of Meridian, however, the MSU alumna had grown weary of the corporate world. When the opportunity arose to return to her alma mater as marketing director for the Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts, she considered it nothing less than fate.
In 2006, the Riley Center opened its doors in historic downtown Meridian with a restored 117-year-old grand opera house as the facility's centerpiece. With Kemp's marketing expertise helping promote national-caliber artists and innovative teacher training and workshops, the beautifully restored center quickly became a premier destination for performing arts and education. From seasons of Grammy-award-winning performers to sessions on ways to incorporate arts into the classroom, the Riley Center has received state, regional and national recognition.
For Kemp, the journey has been all about coming home and making a difference in the community she grew up in.
"I was at the point in my career that I wanted to market something I cared about. When I saw the Riley Center was looking for a marketing director, I knew this was what I was meant to do. After years of promoting products, it's nice to do something you're really proud of and make a difference."
For more information on the Riley Center and the full performing arts schedule visit http://www.msurileycenter.com.