Marlah Bonner-McDuffie

Director of Development for the School of Music

B.S. (business administration), Pennsylvania State University; M.B.A., Temple University

Prior to her appointment as Associate Director of Development in the School of Music, Marlah was founder and marketing director of marik & associates, a consulting firm specializing in strategic marketing, strategic planning, special event production and management, and donor relations. With over 13 years of progressive responsibilities in marketing, media management, development, and public relations in both corporate and non-profit organizations, Marlah's professional experience covers a diverse range of strategic management applications.

Before relocating to Urbana, Marlah worked with organizations in the New York, Philadelphia, and Boston areas. Her love of the fine and performance arts led her to supplement her business education with courses in music, theater, and art.

While at Penn State, Marlah received an academic scholarship for study at the University of Nice, France. Upon graduating from Penn State, Marlah gained invaluable professional experiences working in marketing and sales for large organizations in the corporate sector including Estee Lauder, Bristol Myers, AetnaUSHealthcare, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Upon completion of her MBA, she received the Fox School of Business and Management's Dean's Certificate of Excellence, which is awarded to MBA candidates for academic excellence in their program of study. In addition, she was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, the highest national recognition a student in business can receive in an undergraduate or master's program. Marlah has also taken courses in the Non-Profit Management Certificate program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Marlah became Director of Development in the School of Music in Spring 2008.