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UT Tyler Announces School of Performing Arts Interim Director

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September 16, 2016

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

Dr. David Swanzy is interim director of The University of Texas at Tyler School of Performing Arts, Dr. Martin Slann, College of Arts and Sciences dean, announced.

Swanzy is the Dean Emeritus of the College of Music and Fine Arts at Loyola University in New Orleans. He temporarily fills the vacancy left by Dr. Michael Thrasher, who accepted a position at Florida State University.

"Dr. Swanzy is an excellent choice for interim director of performing arts as he was a highly successful dean of the College of Music at Loyola University in New Orleans for more than two decades," Slann said. "His experience is extremely valuable to the programs in performing arts. Dr. Swanzy will lead the transition in very positive ways as the faculty searches for a permanent director."

The search is in its early stage, and it will continue until the position is filled with a tentative Feb. 1, 2017 date, Slann added.

As interim director, Swanzy oversees UT Tyler's music and theater programs.

The UT Tyler School of Performing Arts offers the bachelor of music and bachelor of arts in music. Students may also choose music or theater studies as a minor. For more information, visit uttyler.edu/music/.

One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of almost 10,000 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.