Jacobs School selects new undergraduate director

From IDS Reports

The IU Jacobs School of Music recently appointed professor Lissa May as the new director of undergraduate studies.

May has spent the past 13 years as a faculty member in the IU department of music education.

She will become full-time director in early January 2013 and supervise all the undergraduate programs at the Jacobs School. 

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the next director of undergraduate studies,” May said in a press release.

“I have been associated with the Jacobs School of Music for many years and am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”

May received her bachelor of music education degree, master of science degree and doctorate in music education degree from IU.

“Given the importance of the undergraduate curriculum and its need to evolve to reflect fundamental changes that are occurring in the profession, it is exciting to have the expertise, experience and understanding that Professor May brings to this important administrative post,” said Gwyn Richards, dean of the Jacobs School, in a press release.

May has previously served as chair of the Jacobs School’s Music Education Department, supervisor of fine arts for the Waterford School District in Waterford, Mich., jazz band director at Oakland University and associate professor of bands at Purdue University.

She has also been published in journals such as the Journal of Research in Music Education and the Journal of Historical Research in Music Education.

“She is highly respected as a teacher of a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, and as a jazz educator and conductor,” said Mary Wennerstrom, Jacobs associate dean for instruction, in a press release. “She brings a diverse experience in teaching and administration to the position, and we look forward to her contributions to the Jacobs School of Music in this new role.”

— Sydney Murray