Christopher Marks, associate dean, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, and professor, Glenn Korff School of Music, is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s next associate vice chancellor for faculty affairs effective Jan. 8, pending University Board of Regents approval.
The announcement was made Dec. 5 by Katherine Ankerson, executive vice chancellor.
“Chris brings deep institutional knowledge, a variety of administrative experiences, and a true passion for the faculty career cycle to this role. His leadership will be integral to our campus goals and vision for academic excellence and faculty engagement,” Ankerson said. “Chris is a collaborative partner and a well-respected faculty leader, and I look forward to him joining our leadership team.”
Marks has been associate dean of the fine and performing arts college since 2015, and during that time he has also served as interim dean of the college and interim director of both the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film and the School of Art, Art History and Design. He is a professor at the Glenn Korff School of Music, where he has taught organ, music theory, and performance practice since 2006.
He is an active proponent of new music and has premiered a number of commissioned organ works. His performances have garnered him top prizes in the Arthur Poister Competition, the San Marino Competition, the Fort Wayne Competition, and the Mader Competition. Marks is active as a performer, teacher, and scholar, having published articles on performance practice, organs, and professional concerns.
He participated as a fellow in the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s Academic Leadership Program in 2016. He received the college’s Junior Faculty Achievement Award in Research and Creative Activity in 2010.
Marks holds a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from the University of Richmond, a Master of Music in piano and organ performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music.
“I’m honored and excited to have this opportunity to support my fellow faculty members and the university in this important role,” Marks said.
The associate vice chancellor for faculty affairs is responsible for advancing the university’s strategic goals with regard to faculty recruitment and hiring; orientation and professional development; promotion and tenure, and recognition; support to deans, chairs, heads and directors on faculty personnel and policy issues; and facilitating the resolution of academic and professional conduct concerns, among other duties.
Earlier this fall, Judy Walker announced that she would step down after seven years in the position to return to her faculty role in the Department of Mathematics.
