Newman Center's Kendra Ingram Resigns

I want to share the news that Kendra Ingram has resigned as executive director of the Newman Center of Performing Arts to accept the position of president CEO of Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC). Kendra will be the first female president and CEO in the 50-year history of the Marcus Center. She will remain at DU until she begins at MPAC in February.

Kendra has had many successes since she arrived at DU in 2016. She has been nationally recognized for the caliber and depth of new programming presented at the Newman Center, has expanded community engagement and under her leadership subscription packages to the Newman Center have increased by more than 200%.

“Serving the Newman Center, University of Denver and the Denver community has been a great joy,” Kendra says. “I’m so proud of the work that the Newman Center team and I have accomplished over the last three years. I’ve heard so many artists comment from stage about what an extraordinary venue the Newman Center is and the truth is, it’s a fantastic venue because of extraordinary people. The staff, audiences, donors and campus community make this a special place and I will miss it.”  

Kendra has played a pivotal role in the University’s commitment to expanding the experience and celebration of the performing arts for DU’s students, faculty and staff, as well as intentionally engaging the rich cultural traditions of our Denver community. Of significant note, Kendra elevated performing arts access and musical education for children in Denver, with the introduction of Newman Center’s Musical Explorers program. 

In addition to her leadership and focus on innovative programming at the Newman Center, Kendra has been active in several influential Denver arts and cultural boards. Her service includes sitting on the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, the Denver School of the Arts Friends Foundation, the City of Denver Cultural Commission, and the Western Arts Alliance Conference Committee. She previously served as a member of the Denver Arts and Diversity Leadership Council, and the Denver Arts and Venues Music Strategy Advisory Panel.

Please join me as we wish Kendra well in this exciting new role. She will undoubtedly bring the same energy, vision and depth of expertise that we have all grown to value and appreciate to the Marcus Center and the city of Milwaukee.

A search committee for the executive director will be named soon and I will share details at that time.

Sincerely,

Corinne Lengsfeld

Interim Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor