Jessica Doyle Mekkes

Coordinator of Musical Theatre Bfa @East Carolina University

Greenville, NC, US

As Coordinator of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University, I lead one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing BFA programs, serving as both an academic leader and a bridge to the professional theatre world. My work has centered on program growth, equity, and preparing the next generation of theatre makers for sustainable careers.Key Achievements & Responsibilities:Program Growth & Innovation: Expanded enrollment from ~10 to 18 students annually, doubling program size while maintaining excellence.Equity & Access: Doubled program diversity by implementing inclusive recruitment practices and student support systems.Pipeline Creation: Founded The Edge, a musical theatre intensive summer program for high school students providing training, networking, and access to both ECU faculty and industry professionalsTeaching Leadership: Both anatomy & artistry. Integrating cutting-edge pedagogy with traditional technique.Community & Industry Partnerships: Built collaborations across academic, community, and professional theatre to enhance student opportunity.National Visibility: Represented ECU and the program in regional and national conferences, positioning it as a leader in musical theatre training.Mentorship: Guided students from classroom to career, many now working on national tours, Broadway, and regional theatres.Impact: ECU Musical Theatre has been shaped into a program that is not only competitive nationally but also a model for access, innovation, and student-centered growth.

Central Michigan University

Master of Music, Vocal Performance

Central Michigan University

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Musical Theatre