Andrew Gowan, distinguished emeritus professor, has been named 2019-20 interim dean of the UofSC School of Music, effective July 1. Gowan retired as director of graduate studies and executive associate dean in 2018 after being on the music faculty for 34 years, where he was involved with university bands, music education, conducting classes and woodwind instruction.

Of his new role, Gowan says that in addition to reconnecting with faculty colleagues, he is excited to interact with students at the School of Music.

“I look forward to listening to great music being made, every day, just by walking down the corridors of the building,” he says. “I have always enjoyed observing the students as they grow and mature as musicians.”

Looking to developments in music education, he says that music schools have begun to focus on helping students acquire the skills they need to earn a good living with their musical talent.

“Music schools have always done a good job of preparing students to sing and play instruments at a high level. I’m proud to say that the UofSC School of Music has been a leader in what is now a national focus on music entrepreneurship,” Gowan says.

Gowan is published in the Instrumentalist and the Journal of Band Research and has published compositions and arrangements for woodwinds. He is an active clinician and guest conductor of bands and orchestras throughout the country. He also continues to perform as a professional saxophonist.

Gowan, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, will take over for Dean Tayloe Harding, who has been named 2019-20 interim UofSC executive vice-president for academic affairs and provost.