Christopher Marks has been named interim dean of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
The appointment was announced by Executive Vice Chancellor Elizabeth Spiller on Sept. 17. Dean Charles “Chuck” O’Connor will be returning to his full-time faculty role in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, and Marks will assume the role of interim dean on Jan 4. The appointment is pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
“Chris’s broad administrative experience after six years as associate dean will ensure continued momentum for the college’s strategic priorities and across each of the college’s academic programs,” Spiller said. “I look forward to working with Chris in this important role as the college continues to position itself for the future.”
Marks has been associate dean of the fine and performing arts college since 2015, and during that time he has also served stints as interim director of both the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film and the School of Art, Art History and Design. Marks is a professor at the Glenn Korff School of Music, where he has taught organ, music theory, and performance practice since 2006.
“I am incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such talented faculty and staff in support of our amazing students during this interim period,” Marks said. “I am excited to help the college continue its important work toward our N2025 goals in academics, creative activity, and scholarly research.”
An active proponent of new music, Marks has premiered a number of commissioned organ works and has performed with ensembles such as the Boston Brass, Ethos Percussion Group, and Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed at conventions of the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society and has participated in more than a dozen Pipe Organ Encounters. His performances have garnered him top prizes in the Arthur Poister Competition, the San Marino Competition, the Fort Wayne Competition, and the Mader Competition. His scholarly research includes articles and publications on performance practice, organs, and professional concerns and has served as chair, of the Organ Historical Society.
Marks 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.
Prior to joining the Nebraska faculty, Marks taught organ and served as university organist for seven years at Syracuse University. He 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.
