Back to: News Services' Press Releases Conservatory Backstage Pass June 9, 1999		Robert K. Dodson Appointed Dean of Oberlin College Conservatory of Music Media Contact: Linda Shockley email: linda.shockley@oberlin.edu phone: (440) 775-8328
			OBERLIN, OHIO--Nancy S. Dye, president of Oberlin College, takes great pleasure in announcing the appointment of Robert K. Dodson as dean of the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, effective July 1, 1999. Dodson presently serves as dean of the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dodson brings to the post three decades of experience in music performance, teaching and administrative leadership. He will replace David Boe, former Conservatory dean and professor of organ and harpsichord, who has served as acting dean since January 1999, following the resignation of Karen Wolff, who had served as dean of Oberlin College Conservatory since 1991. "In Robert Dodson," said President Dye, "I believe we have found an exceptionally able, thoughtful and sensitive dean who will continue the Conservatory on its path toward becoming the very best music school anywhere. During his tenure at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and prior to that, at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, he achieved a well-earned reputation for enhancing institutional reputations through advances in curricula and faculty recruitment; strengthening financial, fundraising and development profiles; and developing strong outreach programs." "It is a great honor to be invited to join the Oberlin community as dean of its remarkable Conservatory of Music," Dodson said. "In my ten years at Lawrence University, I have experienced the enormous rewards and satisfactions to be gained through the pursuit of high musical and intellectual aspirations within the collaborative environment that arises from the association of an outstanding conservatory program and a fine liberal arts college." Dodson added, "The opportunity to continue that work at Oberlin with its unique artistic and intellectual resources, under the leadership of President Nancy Dye, is a rare and exciting privilege. I look forward to working with President Dye and with the superb faculty, staff and students of the Conservatory in setting new goals and in reaffirming enduring principles, as we seek to advance Oberlin's superlative record of service to music, music teaching and music learning in the United States and abroad." Highlights of Dodson's tenure at Lawrence University include: development of curriculum and standards heightened reputation of the Lawrence Conservatory nationally and internationally threefold growth in applications and doubled enrollment elevated stature of the Conservatory through the faculty appointments development of the Lawrence Arts Academy, now serving more than 2000 Fox Valley community members of all ages enhancement of physical plant, including the construction of Ruth Harwood Shattuck Hall, a 42,000 sq. ft. music addition completed in 1991, and renovation of the Lawrence Memorial Chapel in 1992. "We are extremely pleased that Robert Dodson has accepted the appointment at Oberlin Conservatory," said acting dean David Boe. "I visited Lawrence University Conservatory as an evaluator for the National Association of Schools of Music prior to Robert Dodson's deanship. Two years ago I had the pleasure to revisit the conservatory and I was able to see firsthand the remarkable growth and development of the school through Dodson's leadership." Prior to his work at Lawrence University, Dodson served as principal of the Royal Conservatory of Music at the University of Toronto, following terms as acting principal and vice-principal, from 1981-1988. He was the founding and managing director of The Chamber Music Institute, Friends of Chamber Music Inc.; associate professor and artist-in-residence at Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario) (1969-1981); and cellist with the Vaghy String Quartet (1969-81). He remains an active cellist. Dodson attended Columbia University and the New England Conservatory of Music, and received Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Indiana University.