As managing director of S&T’s Leach Theatre, Emily Brickler is not often in the spotlight – but she is behind many who are.

“I love exposing our students to new and creative opportunities through the performances that we bring to the campus,” Emily says. “And I love being exposed to the new ideas and concepts that they bring to campus.”

Emily joined S&T’s staff in 2003. She oversees all aspects of running Leach Theatre, the 560-seat facility in Castleman Hall. She works with outside agents to bring professional performers and performances into the theater.

Being part of a the S&T community is a plus, she says.

“I love the feeling of being a part of an institution that makes a difference in the lives of young people,” Emily says. “I feel as though we not only educate but appreciate the students that come to us from all over the world. They are so intelligent and knowledgeable and we can learn as much from them as they learn from us.”

Emily at a glance

Hometown: Cuba, Missouri

Education: Master of arts degree in teaching from Webster University and a bachelor of arts degree from Principia College

Favorite memories of S&T:
Yo-Yo Ma doing a masterclass with a group of student musicians and a baby lynx jumping into her arms backstage during a performance by Jack Hanna.

Advice to other S&T employees:
“Love what you do, or get a different job! Life is too short to work somewhere that you don’t enjoy or where you are not appreciated. This is a great campus to work at and if you are not happy where you work, you will not be a positive contributor to the community.”

Accomplishments that make her proud:
“I am proud that I have been able to get some really great performances to this community. We have seen William Shatner perform on our stage, several American Idol artists, Jack Hanna with lots of animals and YoYo Ma, the most famous cellist in the world.”

Hobbies: Watersports, reading and playing keyboard in her husband’s rock band

What is your favorite food? Desserts (any kind)

People are surprised to learn: Emily plays the cello and is a religious person.

Family: Husband, Jim, two children (one daughter and one son), two stepsons, and five grandchildren

About the Staff Spotlight

Missouri S&T’s Staff Council launched the staff spotlight feature in February 2019 as a way to highlight staff members throughout the university. Legends Bank, Au Bon Pain and the S&T Store are sponsors. The articles are published in eConnection and shared on Staff Council’s Facebook page.

Share the Spotlight

Would you like to recommend a staff member for eConnection’s staff spotlight feature? Would you like to be in the spotlight? Let us know! Email news@mst.edu with your name and the name of the person you would like to see featured (it can be yourself). If you’d like to tell us about yourself, fill out a staff spotlight questionnaire.