Has anyone heard about who is replacing Brent Wagner at University of Michigan?
Hi, I wasn’t aware he was leaving. When?
This is his last semester.
Love him. Is he just retiring?
Yes.
He didn’t announce it as part of his talk to the auditioning students, but I heard it from several (non MT) faculty there while visiting. The presumption from them was that there would be a national search, possibly with someone from within the department as interim head if the new person wasn’t in place by the summer. @lojosmo - I would presume that the many aspects of the program which he nurtured for decades will remain in place? There seemed to be so much (all of which my D and I responded to very favorably) which is specific to Michigan, ie the real emphasis on exposure to other fields, other experiences, etc. beyond the world of MT as an intrinsic part of the program.
National search is winding down. From what I hear, not filling the position from within, even temporarily. IMO Mr. Wagner has set up a fabulous program and you are right, his philosophy is a huge part of what makes Michigan Michigan. I doubt they would scrap it!
He is irreplaceable! His talk to prospective students and parents last Friday was nothing short of riveting.
He is nothing short of brilliant. I agree with @lawfang that his presentation to prospects/parents is practically perfect!
My D’s experience working with him at mpulse had a huge impact on how she has approached her training and preperation. And as a parent, he helped me understand the highly specialized education and training MT programs provide at a time when I wasn’t so sure I could support my D pursuing MT. IMHO Professor Wagner’s legacy will live on in Michigan’s program for a long, long time.
I remember that his MPulse discussions with parents were among the things that made me most comfortable with our D’s consistent lack of interest in Conservatories, as (at least her year) he really stressed the value of MT folks with solid academic underpinnings and broad interests, rather than a laser focus on MT. He seems to be a very strong personality, so I imagine his absence will be keenly felt.
I think that his replacement may cause a ripple effect in the MT college community. It crossed my mind that if he is replaced with a great MT Director from another school, won’t that director need to be replaced? and so on… What if you pick a school based on loving that MT director and off they go after you commit?
@Momma2four That can happen at any school. Do not pick a school based on the MT director. Pick a school based on the program and the fit of the school itself. The head of MT from my daughter’s program (Western Kentucky) left just before she started there and went to Hartt. They were able to bring in new people which have been fabulous!
^^^ I agree with @LoveMyMTGirl! My D chose Ithaca when they had an interim head…she had NO idea who the head would be. They hired Catherine Weidner from DePaul and she is nothing short of amazing. Don’t choose a school for the department head, or a particular professor. Look at the whole school, their philosophy, their successes, their curriculum, etc. If it’s working, a new head is not going to change things drastically.
Thanks for that advice. True
The new Michigan head has been announced – Vincent J. Cardinal from UConn (and many other places). D is thrilled with what she has read about him. Fab!
Go Blue!