The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved the reappointment of David A. Gier as dean, and the Paul Boylan Collegiate Professor of Music, School of Music, Theatre & Dance, for a second five-year term, effective August 15, 2023 through August 14, 2028.
Gier has served as SMTD’s dean since 2018, returning to the school where he earned his undergraduate degree. An extensive review process documented Dean Gier’s effectiveness in growing SMTD’s faculty and internal funding, supporting curricular innovation and co-curricular programs, as well as strategic planning for SMTD and leadership in the U-M Arts Initiative.
He successfully led the SMTD community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic — also fundraising for and opening the new Dance Building, which brings all SMTD departments together on North Campus for the first time. He continues to expand opportunities to engage SMTD across campus and in the community, and has initiated an inclusive process to galvanize the school around a vision for its future.
“Dean Gier is an accomplished musician and an award-winning teacher,” said Provost Laurie McCauley in an email announcing his reappointment. “As an academic leader, he demonstrates an impressive ability to combine vision and action effectively. His commitment to learning and ability to forge innovative partnerships makes him an outstanding dean.”
Gier earned two master’s degrees and a Doctor of Musical Arts (1992) from Yale University. He served on the faculty at Baylor University and at the University of Iowa prior to his appointments at the University of Michigan.