CMU Tabs Associate Academic Dean |
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When the associate dean for academics position at Central Methodist University opened this spring, CMU officials targeted candidates with both strong academic and administrative skills.
CMU didn't have to look far to find those talents, and in addition got someone with a first-hand knowledge of the University with the promotion of Dr. Barbara Hamel. The appointment is effective July 1, according to CMU Dean of the University Rita Gulstad.
Hamel had been chair of CMU's Performing Arts division and has worked at the University since 1996.
"Dr. Hamel certainly has the talent and the dedication to higher education that we were seeking," Gulstad said. "She has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues at CMU."
Hamel joined the CMU music faculty 16 years ago, teaching piano, organ and music theory. Prior to that, while working on graduate degrees she had been an independent teacher of piano and organ and a church organist.
Hamel was appointed Dean of CMU's heralded Swinney Conservatory of Music and division chair in 2010. It was during that time, supervising seven full-time faculty and overseeing very active music, theatre and art programs, that she sharpened her administrative skills.
"I will miss all the faculty, staff, and students in the Fine Arts Division, and I loved teaching in the Conservatory," Hamel said. "But I also look forward to working with the entire CMU campus and making a difference on a whole new level."
In her new capacity, Hamel will assist students and faculty on the Fayette and CMU extended campuses, represent the Dean's Office on faculty committees, and maintaining official records of changes to the faculty handbook and catalogs.
She will also assist with CMU's faculty evaluation process, coordinate orientation for first-year and adjunct faculty, and be involved with CMU student retention efforts.
Hamel grew up in Tekamah, Neb. and earned her bachelor's degree in music and religion from the former Dana College in Blair, Neb. She received a master of music degree in piano performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and was a graduate teaching assistant for both universities.
While at CMU she has served on numerous committees and task forces. She has frequently been called upon as a judge at various regional and state music competitions, and maintains an active musical performance schedule.
"It will be difficult to give up many of my musical activities, but I do plan to keep playing organ and piano at church" Hamel said. "I've discovered in the last few years that I like administrative work and am very excited about this new career path. And the best part is that I get to stay at CMU!"
Founded in 1854, Central Methodist programs range from undergraduate and graduate studies to high-school dual credit offerings. Serving more than 5,000 students on its historic main campus in Fayette, through collaborative programs at locations across Missouri, and online, the CMU mission emphasizes academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
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