Shippensburg University is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly C. Kozlowski as the new director of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, one of the premier performing arts center in the Mid-Atlantic region.
For more than two decades, Luhrs Center has served as the cultural centerpiece of the tri-state region, presenting nationally recognized artists, Broadway productions, family entertainment, comedy, holiday favorites, and educational programming. With seating for nearly 1,500 patrons and a robust year-round schedule of professional performances, Luhrs Center stands as the largest and most active performing arts presenter between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Harrisonburg, Virginia, welcoming tens of thousands of guests annually from across Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and beyond.
Kozlowski, a lifelong resident of south-central Pennsylvania, brings a deep understanding of the region and a longstanding commitment to community engagement, nonprofit leadership, and the performing arts as the previous executive director of the Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg. Her appointment reflects Luhrs Center’s continued commitment to serving as both a world-class performing arts center and a vital community asset.
“Kelly’s extensive roots throughout south-central Pennsylvania and the greater tri-state region, combined with her passion for the arts and community building, make her uniquely positioned to lead Luhrs Performing Arts Center into its next chapter,” said Dr. Megan Luft, vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “She understands the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships with patrons, benefactors, business leaders, educators, and community organizations that help strengthen the cultural fabric of our region.”
Throughout her career, Kozlowski has built a reputation for collaborative leadership, strategic partnership development, nonprofit management, and community outreach. Her professional experience spans arts administration, marketing, fundraising, programming, public relations, and organizational leadership. She has worked extensively with community stakeholders, nonprofit boards, educational institutions, local governments, and business partners throughout the region.
Kozlowski said she is honored to return her focus to a venue that plays such an important role in the cultural life of the region.
“Luhrs Center has long been recognized as a destination for exceptional performing arts experiences and a gathering place for communities throughout south-central Pennsylvania,” said Kozlowski. “As someone who has spent my entire life in this region, I understand how deeply people value the arts and the connections they create. I look forward to working alongside our patrons, sponsors, donors, volunteers, university partners, and community leaders to build upon the Luhrs Center’s remarkable legacy and ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.”
As executive director, Kozlowski will oversee all aspects of Luhrs Center operations, including strategic planning, community engagement, and the presentation of professional performing arts programming. Additionally, she will work closely with the Shippensburg University Foundation on fundraising sponsorship development.
Kozlowski succeeds Robin Dolbin, who will retire at the end of June following more than two decades of dedicated service to Luhrs Center. Building upon that strong foundation, Kozlowski will carry forward Luhrs Center’s tradition of exceptional programming and community engagement while seeking new opportunities to strengthen connections with audiences, supporters, and patrons throughout the region.
The appointment comes at an exciting time for Luhrs Center as the venue continues to expand its impact across the region through diverse programming, educational opportunities, and partnerships that connect audiences to the performing arts.
For information about upcoming performances and events, visit LuhrsCenter.com.
