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Dean Of IU Music School Stepping Down After Two Decades

The head of the Jacobs School of Music is stepping down after nearly two decades in that position.

Gwyn Richards will step down from his leadership position June 30.

Richards became dean of the school in 2001. He joined the staff in 1992, first working in the admissions department.

According to a news release from the Jacobs School, Richards is returning to a faculty position in choral conducting.

In a statement, Provost Lauren Robel said Richards’ impact is already legendary.

“His understanding of the uniqueness of the school and its importance to the world of the arts is what has driven his work. Everything he has done as dean has focused on excellence,” Robel wrote.

The university plans to begin a search for Richards’ permanent replacement in the next academic year.

Jeremy Allen, who is the Executive Associate Dean of the school, will serve as the interim dean beginning July 1.

Sara Wittmeyer is the News Bureau Chief for WFIU and WTIU. Sara has more than two decades of journalism experience. She led the creation of the converged WFIU/WTIU Newsroom in 2010 and previously served with KBIA at the University of Missouri, WNKU at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY, and at WCPO News in Cincinnati.