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What does inclusivity look like at the College of Music today? What are the college’s DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion—goals going forward? We’re making strides, but we know we must do more.

In this edition of the Dean’s Downbeat, Dean John Davis shares highlights from recent College of Music activities and accomplishments, including his perspective on the significance of our 2023 Annual Distinguished Lectureship: “The research and lived experiences of trailblazers like André de Quadros ignite understanding of this current moment in American and world history—and how diverse, creative communities can help shape, sustain and support a democracy that ensures justice and liberty for everyone.”

In the final Dean’s Downbeat of the year, Dean John Davis announces Allan McMurray’s 2023 University Medal; describes how the important, prescient work of the Sphinx Organization underscores his vision for the College of Music ... and more.

“The way I see it, developing universal musicians who demonstrate diversity in all forms is both a mission and a process that directly supports and sustains democracy. Our diversity of experiences and abilities, perspectives and opinions, races and ethnicities, and genders and sexual identities enhances our conversation, ignites and expands our awareness, and makes us better when we come together.”

“While there’s no playbook for the unprecedented and the unknowable, by channeling collective despair into collective creativity, we become artistic entrepreneurs, contributing to society in impactful ways.” In this year-end reflection on triumphs over turmoils, Dean Davis offers his perspective on music as essential to human betterment.

We’re thrilled to welcome a new assistant dean for advancement! Andrew Todd, an alumnus of the ���ϳԹ� College of Music (DMA ‘05), will join our team on April 1.

In this edition of our monthly Dean’s Downbeat, John Davis reflects on our students’ successes, introduces new violin faculty—welcome, Alex Gonzalez!—and celebrates Susan Thomas’ BFA Excellence Award. Transcending pandemic burnout, “our faculty offer anchorage through their teaching excellence, and their wonderfully consistent artistic achievements as performers, composers and researchers,” he writes.  

“Even as we bear witness to loss and unknowable challenges with compassion and care, I see us rebounding with resilience again and again—undeterred in our shared quest for excellence, dogged in our pursuit to inform and influence what it means to be a successful, fulfilled creative artist in an increasingly diverse and interdisciplinary musical landscape.”

As 2021 comes to a close and I reflect on my first year as Dean, I’m filled with gratitude for our College of Music family and all we’ve accomplished in a new and evolving hybrid learning environment. I’m especially proud of our progress to ensure an increasingly welcoming spirit within our beautifully expanded Imig Music Building.

The newly expanded Imig Music Building strengthens the college’s Musicians’ Wellness Program by better supporting students in navigating the often complex and multifaceted path of being a musician.