Arts and Sciences Executive Dean and Vice Provost, David Manderscheid, has named Arts and Humanities Divisional Dean Mark Shanda to chair the search committee tasked to identify a new director for the Marching and Athletic Bands.

“Mark’s leadership background, knowledge of the Marching Band and School of Music and true commitment to working collaboratively are great assets,” said Manderscheid. “I am very confident in his abilities to lead this effort to chart a positive path forward for the band, its dedicated student members and our alumni and fans.”

Currently, an interim leadership team is in place – Director of University Bands, Professor Russel C. Mikkelson, and Associate Director of University Bands Scott Jones have been appointed to provide additional leadership and oversight of the OSUMB for the 2014-15 season. In addition to the role adjustments for Mikkelson and Jones, Lisa Galvin was recently hired as associate director for the length of the Marching Band season. Christopher Hoch and Michael Smith will be retained as associate and assistant directors, respectively.

“I am honored to chair this search committee and am fully engaging our Marching Band students, School of Music faculty and alumni to make sure that we identify the best possible candidate for the Pride of the Buckeyes to continue our long tradition of excellence,” said Shanda.

In coming weeks, the full search committee will be convened to include student, faculty, staff and alumni representatives. It is anticipated that a new director will be named in the next four to six months.

About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.

Contact: Gary Lewis: lewis.330@osu.edu