SMU Professor Megan Heber Blends Business and the Arts to Revolutionize Nonprofit Management

Driven by Passion and Impact

The mission of nonprofit businesses is to drive change and harness the unique power of the arts to inspire, educate and connect people. At the intersection of these fields, there is an incredible potential to create initiatives that enrich the cultural fabric of communities and address critical issues. This intersection is where creativity and purpose come together to make a tangible difference in people's lives. 

The desire to create a meaningful impact is what drives SMU Meadows professor Megan Heber in her role in shaping the future of nonprofit leadership and arts management professionals.

“What fascinates me most about arts management and nonprofit leadership is the profound impact that mission-driven work can have on communities,” says Heber. “I am particularly excited to teach subjects that combine strategic thinking with creative vision, such as fundraising, marketing, and governance. These areas allow me to guide students in developing both the practical skills and the innovative mindset necessary for leading successful arts organizations.” 

Heber is a Professor of Practice in Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership at SMU’s Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs (CCPA) and Program Director of the M.A. in Arts and Nonprofit Leadership (MANPL) program. The classes she facilitates in the MANPL program include "Navigating the Arts and Nonprofit Sector: Principles and Practice” and “Strategic Leadership & Transformation in Arts & Nonprofit Organizations.” 

Discovering Possibilities in the Arts 

Heber leveraged her experience with the arts to forge a niche and unexpected career path in the arts management and nonprofit leadership domains. “Like many in arts management or nonprofit leadership, I accidentally fell into it. During my undergraduate studies, I didn’t even know this was a viable career path.”

She began as a Music Education major with aspirations to become a high school band director. Her mentor and director of bands at Rowan University encouraged her to audition for the Navy music program, where she won a position.

While in the Navy music program, Heber also discovered a new perspective on the arts. Her responsibilities extended beyond merely performing, but also management responsibilities.

“I quickly discovered I loved doing everything everyone else hated: operations, budgeting, project management, etc. That was the moment I realized I was an arts administrator and that I enjoyed doing the work that facilitated good things happening - musicians making music, nonprofits achieving their missions.” 

After her enlistment, Heber was hired by the UNT College of Music, one of the largest colleges of music in the nation, to manage events at their performing arts center. Heber honed her organizational skills and staff training abilities by coordinating, scheduling, and staffing more than 1,000 rehearsals and events a year.

During this time, she also began her MA/MBA at SMU part-time while working at UNT, balancing work with school at nights and on weekends. She was then promoted to Director of Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations, where she applied what she was learning from the MA/MBA program directly to their promotional strategy. 

Passing Along Passion Through Teaching 

After graduating with her MA/MBA, she became the executive director of an arts education nonprofit in Dallas. This role required her to handle development, strategy, accounting, financial planning, marketing, governance, and volunteer management. Concurrently, she started teaching adjunct and realized how much she loved and missed teaching.  

After five years of nonprofit executive work and adjunct teaching, SMU hired her as their new Professor of Practice in Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership. It was a major accomplishment for Heber, and something that reflected the nature of her journey through the arts and into the nonprofit sector. 

“Throughout my life, nonprofits have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. My career has seamlessly woven together my passions for both the arts and nonprofit work. From being a full-time musician to discovering my love for arts management, every step has reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of these fields. Teaching at SMU allows me to share this passion with my students, guiding them to become the next generation of leaders in the arts and nonprofit sectors."  

The Crossroads: Where the Arts and Business Meet 

The M.A. in Arts and Nonprofit Leadership program at SMU offers a unique blend of rigorous academic coursework and practical, real-world experience. Students can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, communication, financial management, and governance in the context of arts and nonprofit organizations.

Additionally, students will build a strong professional network and gain practical experience through hands-on projects. Most importantly, they will learn how to take any passion they have and lead with purpose, channeling their enthusiasm into effective and meaningful leadership that drives positive change within their organizations and communities.  

“This program benefits individuals who are committed to making a significant impact through nonprofit leadership,” says Heber. “Ideal candidates are those who possess strong organizational skills, creativity and a collaborative spirit. We welcome a diverse range of backgrounds, including those in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and beyond, as these perspectives enrich the learning experience and the sector as a whole.” 

The program targets individuals who are both in the arts without a strong business background or began in business and are now looking to have a greater impact on their community. Whether you are beginning your career and are eager to build a solid foundation in arts and nonprofit management or are a seasoned professional looking to refine your skills and deepen your knowledge, the MANPL program is designed to help graduates lead effectively and innovatively in the arts and nonprofit sectors.