RICHMOND —
Debra Hoskins has resigned as executive director for the Center for the Arts at Eastern Kentucky University, according to an announcement EKU released Tuesday morning.
Hoskins had served in the position since January 2011. A national search for her successor will begin immediately, the release stated.
The release gave no reason for the resignation.
"I am resigning my position as executive director of the EKU Center for the Arts," Hoskins said. "I got this venue to a level of excellence and look forward to pursuing new and upcoming challenges in the same field.
"As I move forward, I must express that I am immensely proud of what my team and I were able to accomplish during the center’s inaugural season. Under my direction, we welcomed Jerry Seinfeld, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and much more talent to the EKU Center stage, and more than 50,000 people visited the venue. The center generated more than $2 million in revenue. It was my honor and privilege to help finish the construction of the center — from choosing carpets and paint colors to selecting seating for the hall.
"I gave attention to every detail to ensure that the new Center would be Kentucky’s Show Place,” Hoskins continued. “Further, I know that the Center’s patrons will enjoy the impressive acts that I have secured for the 2012-2013 season.”
The center’s guests came from more than 30 states and abroad, triggering a significant financial gain for the community, the release stated. Visitors came from all states contiguous to Kentucky, and from as far away as California, Washington and Oregon.
The center has the largest stage in Kentucky more than 2,000 seats, the center’s main performance hall is the second largest facility of its type in Kentucky. The Center also includes a “black-box” theater with seating up to 250.
The 2011-12 season also included performances by Wynonna Judd, Chris Botti, the Munich Symphony, Garrison Keillor, Peter Frampton, Mannheim Steamroller, and Wynton Marsalis, along with productions of “Spamalot” and “Beauty and the Beast,” among others. Most of the performers played to capacity crowds.
The 2012-13 season, yet to be announced, will include a performance by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
“The EKU Center for the Arts is now considered to be among the nation’s finest performing arts venues,” EKU President Doug Whitlock said. “I personally thank Debbie Hoskins for her instrumental role as the Center attracted outstanding performers throughout its inaugural season. EKU and I wish her our best as she begins the next exciting chapter of her career.”
Dr. Bob Rogow, dean of EKU’s College of Business & Technology, who just completed a term as chair of the EKU Center for the Arts Community Operations Board, said: “The Board extends its best wishes and appreciation to Ms. Hoskins. We look forward to a soon-to-be-announced second season that will build on our exciting inaugural season."
Breaking News
Related Photos
-
Debra Hoskins
EKU announces Hoskins' resignation as arts center director
- Breaking News
-
-
Payne pleads guilty to murdering mother, girlfriend
A man who was accused of killing his mother and girlfriend avoided a possible death sentence Friday by pleading guilty to the women’s 2010 murders.
At a change-of-plea hearing, John Payne, 39, admitted he shot and killed Meredith King, 32, and Cornelia Gayle Mullins, 55, at Mullins’ home in November 2010. -
RPD rounds up 9 in narcotics trafficking bust
Narcotics investigations that occurred earlier in 2012 bore fruit Thursday when nine people were charged with trafficking pain pills in the community.
-
Noon earthquake rattles Madison County residents
Residents in Madison County and throughout eastern and central Kentucky got a lunchtime scare when an earthquake rattled through the area.
The 4.3-magnitude earthquake happened at 12:08 p.m. Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Service. The epicenter was about 8 miles west of Whitesburg. -
B.Michael Caudill middle schooler struck, killed by train
A 14-year-old boy who was walking along the CSX railroad tracks in northern Madison County was hit and killed by a train Saturday afternoon, according the county coroner.
-
1 killed, 3 injured in traffic collision near Berea
A Brodhead woman died this afternoon after the vehicle she was riding in collided with a pickup truck north of Berea.
Anna Rodriguez, 55, was pronounced dead at 5:46 p.m. at the scene of the accident by Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison, according to a news release from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. -
Boil-water advisory lifted for downtown Richmond neighborhood
Richmond Utilities has lifted the 24-hour boil-water advisory in parts of downtown Richmond following work on the area's water main.
The boil water advisory had been issued at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday for Woodland Avenue, Glyndon Avenue and Moberly Avenue between Third and Fifth streets.
-
Waco horse dies from West Nile Virus Thursday - First case reported in Madison County
A downed horse was euthanized Thursday after suffering from what veterinarian Dr. James Martin diagnosed as the West Nile virus — the first case of the disease in Madison County he has seen in more than five years, he said.
Test results from the University of Kentucky diagnostics lab confirmed the blood work Thursday and Martin is reporting details of the case to the state Department of Agriculture. -
Prosecutor to seek death penalty in double-homicide case
A man accused of murdering his mother and girlfriend in 2010 could be sentenced to the death penalty if he is convicted by a jury.
Commonwealth’s Attorney David Smith said Wednesday he will file a motion next week indicating he will seek the death penalty if John Payne’s case goes to trial. -
Man charged in 2008 death of Teakwood Drive woman
Richmond police have charged a man with murder in the 2008 death of 78-year-old Joanne Tribble, and an arrest citation states that a family member admitted that he committed the crime when he was 17 years old.
The Madison County Detention Center’s website shows that William Cody Boyd Tribble, 22, of Berea, was booked into the Madison County Detention Center early Wednesday morning on a murder charge. -
More than 100 rally in rain for gay rights
Afternoon thunderstorms did not damper the crowd of more than 100 that turned out Wednesday at Richmond City Hall in support of fairness.
A rally organized by the Kentucky Fairness Coalition was conducted in support of Richmond residents Cheri Chenault and her partner, Destiny Keith, who were reportedly told to leave E.C. Million Park earlier this month while having pictures taken by a local photographer. - More Breaking News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
