2009-10-20
The University of Rio Grande has named David Lawrence, Ph.D., as the Dean of the College of Professional Studies.
Lawrence served during the 2008-2009 academic year as the interim dean, and previously served as an assistant professor of fine arts. He has taught courses such as vocal music and choral conducting, and is well-known by many in the community for his work directing the Grande Chorale and Masterworks Chorale musical groups.
While serving as the interim dean, Lawrence kept some of his teaching and directing responsibilities. As the new full-time dean, though, he will now focus all of his work on leading the College of Professional Studies.
“I like the idea of working in a collegial situation, where we can solve problems together,” Lawrence said. “I am also very happy with the opportunity now to help identify the direction that each school, and in some cases each department, needs to go.”
As the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Lawrence will oversee the Schools of Business, Education, Fine Arts and Technical Studies at Rio Grande. He is anxious to help each school and department be successful in their different areas.
His year of experience as interim dean will help him tremendously in this new position, as he has already been working with the staff and faculty in the College of Professional Studies in different ways.
“It’s been a challenge to learn the various characteristics of each program and school. It’s been a tremendous learning experience for me,” Lawrence said. He added that it has been rewarding for him to be able to work with the different schools and departments as the interim dean, and he is looking forward now to the work ahead of him now as the full dean.
“We have a tremendous faculty and staff here who are committed to putting the students first. They are willing to go the extra mile for their students,” Lawrence said. “It has been a privilege to get to know them and to work with them.”
Although he will no longer be teaching or leading the Grande Chorale or Masterworks Chorale, Lawrence plans to stay involved with the students and work with them in many different ways.
“I have an open door policy,” Lawrence explained. He plans to meet with students to answer their questions and talk with them about the different academic programs.
Lawrence is entering his eighth year at Rio Grande, is proud to be moving into this new position.
He earned his bachelor’s of music education in vocal performance degree from Abilene Christian University, his master’s of music arts in choral conducting from the University of Washington, and his doctor of music arts in choral conducting from Louisiana State University.
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