Brooks Center for the Performing Arts welcomes new Executive Director

In May 2022, the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts launched a national search to identify its next Executive Director, who will advance its mission of bringing professional music, theatre and dance performances to the Clemson campus and community. After an extensive search process led by members of the Department of Performing Arts, the Brooks Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Janice Crews has been selected as Executive Director, beginning August 1, 2022.

A native of Athens, Georgia, and a current resident of Clarksville, Tennessee, Dr. Crews has served as the Director of the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA) at Austin Peay State University since 2017. In her role as CECA Director, Dr. Crews was responsible for facilitating more than 100 events per year while managing the Community School of the Arts. By establishing strong regional and national partnerships, Dr. Crews founded an arts experience grant program for grades K-12, which has since reached more than 12,000 students.

“Clemson University has a remarkable reputation in higher education and the Brooks Center has impressive programming which immediately caught my attention,” said Crews. In her new role as Executive Director, Crews will oversee all fundraising efforts for the Friends of the Brooks Center and curate the Brooks Center’s artistic programming of more than 25-30 performances per season—all which create dynamic, hands-on experiences for undergraduate students in the Department of Performing Arts.

Crews will also maintain the Brooks Center’s longstanding commitment to community outreach by strengthening its vibrant Tri-ART Series for students ages 3-18, as well as its Utsey Chamber Music Series, which offers world-class concerts to the public at no cost. “The Executive Director position is a perfect fit for me, because it involves community engagement, high-quality programming, and a commitment to education outreach—all of which are passions of mine as an arts leader,” Crews said.

An oboist and music educator by training, Crews began her career as a public school music teacher before pursuing graduate studies in music performance and a career in arts administration. With teaching experience at all levels, from Pre-K to adult learners, Crews has a passion for providing professional development and arts experiences for local teachers and students. She has led education outreach programs with both the Atlanta Symphony and Charleston Symphony Orchestras, and has acted as a consultant for arts organizations throughout the Southeast. Crews has also performed as a professional oboist throughout the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, and holds a DMA in Oboe Performance from Louisiana State University (2010), as well as a Master’s in Music Performance (2006) and a Bachelor’s in Music Education (2002), both from the University of Georgia.

Crews will relocate to the Clemson area this summer with her wife Chelsy, 6-year old son Sullivan and their dog, Clover. With an affinity for the outdoors, the family looks forward to exploring nearby lakes and parks as they begin to build a network in the Clemson community. “The Brooks Center has a long history of community engagement,” Crews said. “I am honored to be entrusted to carry on and build upon that legacy.”