Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

« Back to Recent News

Kiec Named Dean of College of Visual and Performing Arts at Kutztown University

Kutztown, PA (12/06/2017) — Dr. Michelle Kiec has been named dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Kutztown University, effective December 9.

Kiec came to Kutztown University in 2012 as the associate dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. She served as acting dean for the College of Education in 2016 and was named interim dean for the College of Visual and Performing Arts in June of this year after the retirement of Dr. William Mowder.

Prior to her arrival in Kutztown, she spent nearly 12 years as an associate professor of music, department chair and coordinator of assessment and accreditation at the University of Mary, Bismarck, N.D.

"Dr. Kiec has a proven record of success at Kutztown University," said Dr. Anne Zayaitz, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "We look forward to a vibrant future for the College of Visual and Performing Arts under her leadership."

Kiec balances a career as a musician and administrator. She is a frequent conference presenter in the areas of curriculum development, enrollment management, student success and assessment. As a clarinetist, she has performed with the Harrisburg Symphony, West Virginia Symphony, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and Opera Lancaster.

Kiec earned a master's degree and doctorate in clarinet performance at the Peabody Conservatory of Music of The Johns Hopkins University. She holds bachelor's degree in saxophone performance and German from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Kiec, originally of Angola, NY, is a graduate of Lake Shore High School, Angola.

"I look forward to continuing a collaboration with our outstanding faculty," said Kiec. "I am thankful to be a part of an institution with such a long tradition of educating students in the arts."

The College of Visual and Performing Arts provides an innovative contemporary education to prepare future leaders in art, design, media, music and communication. The college has seen consistent growth in the past five years, going from an enrollment of 987 in 2012 to 1,420 in 2017. It offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees with 34 programs of study.

Media Attachments

Dr. Michelle Kiec, dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Kutztown University

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out