Leaders & Advisors

Prior to being named Director in 2018, Schloner first joined the Northrop team as General Manager in 2016, overseeing business operations. She has held positions in various nonprofit and for-profit organizations as well as in University performing arts venues in the Upper Midwest. Her strategic and operational leadership experience in venue and event management, promotion, production, and touring quickly proved to be a valuable asset. Under her leadership, she continues to help expand and oversee vital mission-driven programming. Schloner is committed to building University and community partnerships in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. With the global impact of COVID-19, in 2020 Schloner successfully led her team through critical changes to provide new ways of delivering programming and artist engagement and educational opportunities, and continues to maintain Northrop’s excellence.

With prior careers as dance agent, radio producer, and tour manager, Tschida began as Director during the Northrop revitalization project. She coordinated all of the activities of the grand reopening in 2014 and presided over the subsequent years with vibrant programming, integrating Northrop with the academic community at the University. She shifted her focus to programming in 2018-19, concentrating on Northrop’s strong international Dance Series and the Pipe Organ Music Series.

Johnson brought his fresh curatorial eye and a newfound energy to Northrop’s arts programming. Expanding the Jazz Series into a broader Music Series, and bringing in more dance performances for Northrop Dance Series than ever, Johnson invigorated the Northrop Season, supplementing the performances with enhanced community partnerships and involvement.

Dischinger served as Interim Director after Schatzlein’s unexpected passing. She was Northrop’s long-time Operations and Business Director and was integral in keeping Northrop on its feet through the transition to the next Director of Northrop.

Schatzlein, an avid arts and fitness activist, passed away unexpectedly in 2006. Schatzlein started the notable Northrop Jazz Series in 1986, and continued the legacy of bringing the best in dance to the Midwest. His loving life partner, Emily Maltz, honored Schatzlein’s giving presence at Northrop and in the Twin Cities community after his death.

Smith, a former Director of Convocations and Lectures, and Theatre at Purdue University, was named Director of Northrop in 1969. A University professor emeritus of theater, he created the Northrop Dance Season in 1971, a program that continues in the Twin Cities today.

Lombard, head of Correspondence Study within General Extension, was named Director in 1944. With no previous education in the arts, Lombard quickly became a leader in presenting arts, and brought Northrop to the forefront. He established the Department of University Concerts and Lectures Bureau, which was responsible for all convocation speakers and special lectures, the University Artist Course, and Lyceum programs

Scott was the first Director/Programmer for what was then called the University Concert Course. Wife of the University Department of Music Chairman, Scott was involved in organizing concerts for the dedication of Northrop Memorial Auditorium in 1929 and in persuading the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra to make its home in Northrop