Murray State University Women in Engineering Faculty Advisor, Association of General Contractors Member, Association of General Contractors Student Chapter Faculty Advisor, Murray State University Service Learning Committee Member, Murray State University Alumni Association Member Emery Ginger Smith has built her career at the intersection of design, education, and community impact. One of her proudest accomplishments has been teaching Architectural Design for the Governor’s Scholars Program, where she guided students through a real-world project in partnership with the City of Benton. Together, they developed conceptual designs for a First Responders Memorial Park, engaging in site analysis, creating visuals, and presenting proposals directly to the mayor. The experience not only gave students a glimpse into civic design but also demonstrated the role architecture plays in serving the public good. While teaching full-time at Murray State University, Smith simultaneously pursued her Master of Architecture degree and continued professional practice. This required sharp time management, discipline, and resilience—often involving early mornings, late nights, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Though the workload brought moments of burnout and self-doubt, she stayed focused on her goals: becoming a stronger designer, educator, and professional. Smith’s work stands out for its blend of technical expertise, teaching experience, and focus on rural communities. As a designer specializing in technical drawings, renderings, and residential projects, she delivers precision and visual clarity to areas where such services are often scarce. Her role as an educator in Murray State’s Construction Management and Architectural Design program keeps her connected to industry trends while mentoring future designers and builders. A key influence in her journey has been Kevin Perry, her former professor and current mentor. From her first days in architecture school, Perry invested in her growth, instilling both technical skill and professional perseverance. His mentorship has inspired her to pay that guidance forward through her own teaching and mentoring. Smith’s vision for her legacy is twofold: the spaces she helps create and the students she influences. She hopes her projects— whether a home, church renovation, or public building—bring lasting value to the communities they serve. Equally, she strives to instill confidence, curiosity, and capability in her students. Her advice to others is to learn from those who have walked the path before, remain patient with the process, and commit to steady growth. As she tells her students, “Time will pass either way—show up, stay teachable, and let your skills and character take shape.” Emery Ginger Smith Project Designer, Archi-ology, PLLC and Assistant Professor, Murray State University Sponsored by 40 Under Forty DanceMHT Founder, Playtime Performance Company Member As the newly appointed Director of Education at Market House Theatre, Emi Hensel is stepping into a role that will amplify the community impact she has been building for the past decade. For 10 years, she served as the Dance Program Director, offering accessible, high-quality dance education to students from Paducah and surrounding areas. Now, her reach extends far beyond the dance floor, guiding arts education both at MHT’s downtown campus and in schools and preschools as far as Carlisle County. Balancing quality with accessibility is one of the greatest challenges in arts education, but Emi meets it with a clear priority: exceptional instruction always comes before flashy costumes or the most expensive equipment. Her teaching philosophy goes beyond technical skills—she encourages students to think critically about the material they perform. Whether it’s understanding why a character delivers a certain line or why a composer chose a specific note, her approach invests deeply in her students’ overall experience. For Emi, the stage and studio are classrooms for life. Whether leading a ballet class or directing a middle school musical, she strives to teach more than art—she teaches collaboration, self- advocacy, and resilience. Her lessons prepare young people not just to perform, but to navigate life with creativity and confidence. Her greatest inspiration comes from her own four children, ages six to fifteen. They teach her compassion, grace, and hope for the community’s future. Emi has the unique joy of being not only their mother but also their teacher and director at MHT. She hopes her work will inspire the youth of the region to create a more inclusive and vibrant community for generations to come. To her, arts education is about more than producing art—it’s about bringing together people from all walks of life. Every role, whether on stage or behind the scenes, is essential to the harmony of the whole. Emi envisions an education department where students feel safe to take risks, be playful, and include others. Her guiding principle is simple yet powerful: be intentional and be focused. When she began MHT’s dance program with just seven students, her only goal was to give them the best experience possible. A decade later—with the program grown to 200 students—her mission for the education department remains the same: let the quality speak for itself and allow the work to inspire lasting impact. Emi Hensel Director of Education, Market House Theatre 12 SEPTEMBER 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
