Dear Colleagues,

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey Ward as Dean of the College of Fine Arts, effective July 1, 2022. Dr. Ward joins UTRGV from Kansas State University where he currently serves as Professor and Director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Education (Conducting) from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA, his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Prior to joining Kansas State University, Dr. Ward served as the Associate Dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communication and the Associate Director of the School of Music at East Carolina University.

Dr. Ward has published in national choral and music education journals and presented music education research in Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Greece, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and throughout the United States. He is past chair of the Assessment Special Research Interest Group of the National Association for Music Education and a review board member for the International Symposium for Assessment in Music Education. As a conductor, Dr. Ward has previously served as Director of Music at St. James United Methodist Church in Greenville and Artistic Director of the Greenville Choral Society and Manhattan Masterworks Chorale. Dr. Ward has also been a guest conductor for county and regional honor choirs.

During his visit, Dr. Ward emphasized his desire to support all programs in the College of Fine Arts and to work with each to help develop them fully. He also spoke of his enthusiasm for the distinctiveness of our two campuses in Edinburg and Brownsville, and his priority is to get to know these communities and leverage their strengths in support of student programming, faculty support, and community engagement.

As we wrap up this hiring process, please join me in thanking our search committee, composed of representatives from across the college and university, for their tireless work the last several months.

Please help me convey our most sincere appreciation to Dr. Block for his leadership and commitment to our institution and the Rio Grande Valley. We wish him the best in his retirement.

As we start the next chapter in the development and growth of UTRGV’s College of Fine Arts, please help me welcome Dr. Ward to the Rio Grande Valley and the UTRGV community. Your support will be paramount to his success.

Sincerely,

Janna Arney, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost