ACCENT ON ALUMNI
Alumni Profile: Lucinda Lavelli, MNO '91
Q: You recently accepted the position of Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Florida in Gainesville. What career path has led you to this position?
A: My career path has been unusual. I was a free lance choreographer and teacher until I accepted a full-time appointment at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights where I was the Chair of the Performing Arts Department. Later, I joined the University of Akron and when I left I was the Director of the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration. For the last four years I have been the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Arts and Academic Programs at North Carolina School of the Arts. I will be moving from a school of 1,100 to a university of 50,000.
Q: How do you feel your previous experiences have helped prepare you for this role?
A: While the size and type of the institution I have worked for has varied, essential elements remain the same - planning, organization, systems, communication, budget.
Q: What goals are you hoping to accomplish in your new position?
A: I look forward to working with the President and Provost along with the College's faculty to fulfill the College goals in the university's strategic plan.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in a university setting?
A: I enjoy the people in a university setting. Being around students is refreshing and the staff and faculty who work with students are themselves quite special as well. I find being in a university setting is being in the heart of creativity. There are so many ideas and resources that can come together to create new knowledge.
Q: You received your MNO in 1991. How do you feel your education in nonprofit management from the Mandel Center has helped you in your career?
A: The education the MNO program provided was its ability to impart a global perspective, to identify key concepts that impact the nonprofit sector and the work that can be accomplished. It provided an analytical lens and an objective perspective to balance the passion of my arts training.
Q: What advice do you have for students who are just starting their programs at the Mandel Center?
A: Get to know everyone in your class. People outside of your area can offer you insights you may not find from those in your field. Also, when selecting topics for papers and projects make selections that will provide a residual benefit in your job.
Q: What other organizations, hobbies, interests, etc are you currently involved in?
A: I serve on arts boards and attend as many arts events a week as I can manage.
Q: Anything else you'd like to share with us...
A: I applaud the development of the Mandel Center Alumni Association and the respect it shows for alumni and leaders in the nonprofit Cleveland community. Those who have made a career in the nonprofit sector are value-centered, often serving in positions requiring long hours and modest compensation. Appreciation from Case is a well-savored recognition.
