Eric Olmscheid has served as Executive Director of Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University since June 2022. A dedicated advocate for the performing arts, Eric is passionate about fostering meaningful connections between the arts, the community, and the MSU campus. Under his leadership, Wharton Center has broadened its impact through innovative programming, transformative educational initiatives, and collaborative partnerships.With over 20 years of experience in performing arts management, Eric is widely recognized as a thought leader in the field. His achievements include receiving the Broadway League Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education and being named to the Des Moines Business Record’s “Forty Under 40.” He actively contributes to the national arts landscape through his work on committees with The Broadway League and the Association of Performing Arts Professionals. Additionally, Eric serves on the boards of the Midwest Arts Xpo, Choose Lansing CVB, and the MSUFCU Reseda Group. Notably, he is one of only two Tony Awards® voters in Michigan.
Eric grew up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in arts management. In his free time, he often explores the community with his partner, Adam, and their two doodles, Rue Hammerstein and Beo Sondheim.