Aspnes joins school as associate dean, professor

July 19, 2007

When Lynne Aspnes applied to be director of the School of Music in the Herberger College of the Arts at ASU last year, she had no idea where the experience would take her. As a long-time music professor at the University of Michigan with nearly 10 years of experience as an associate dean, she knew she was destined for a new leadership role and was excited about ASU’s New American University model.<separator></separator>In February 2007, Aspnes became a finalist for the music director position. Following a series of in-depth conversations, Herberger College Dean Kwang-Wu Kim realized that Aspnes’ extensive administrative experience within a major public university could help fulfill the college’s current needs for curricular, faculty and graduate education support. Both agreed to create a new position, and Aspnes began her new role July 1 as Herberger College associate dean.<separator></separator>“Dr. Aspnes brings world-class administrative qualifications and a commitment to ASU’s mission. She also has national stature as a harp professor and performer,” says Kim. “In addition to her appointment as associate dean, I’m pleased that she also will join the faculty as a professor of music.”<separator></separator>Aspnes’ main charge is to support the college and Dean Kim in matters regarding faculty mentoring and evaluation, curricular revision and strengthening graduate education.<separator></separator>“The generosity of spirit I felt from everyone I met created a powerful magnetism drawing me into the life of ASU,” Aspnes said. “I am honored to join Dean Kim and the community of Herberger College artists and scholars as ASU moves forward in its role as a leader in shaping arts education and performance initiatives for the next generation.”<separator></separator>Aspnes is an inspiring educator and renowned harpist who received her master of music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and her doctorate of musical arts from the Manhattan School of Music. She has recorded and performed with hundreds of groups, from the Detroit Symphony to Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio program. In 2006, Aspnes founded HARPArts, a non-profit organization that furthers professional opportunities for emerging harpists.<separator></separator>Aspnes has been most inspired by the success of her students and will bring a new enthusiasm for mentoring, promoting and celebrating student and faculty work to her new position at ASU.<separator></separator>Founded in 1964, Herberger College comprises four nationally ranked academic units: School of Music, School of Art, Department of Dance and School of Theatre and Film, plus the Arts, Media and Engineering Program, and ASU Art Museum. Nearly 2,600 students attend the college, which has 170 faculty and 150 staff. Since 2004, 25 National Merit Scholars and 13 National Hispanic Scholars have chosen the Herberger College as their place of study.