University News

Kurasz Named Interim Associate Dean for COFAC

July 28, 2022

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University Music Professor Rick Kurasz has been named interim associate dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communication, effective Monday, Aug. 1.

Kurasz replaces William "Buzz" Hoon, who will retire Sunday, July 31, after 31 years as a WIU faculty member and administrator.

"Rick brings 20 years of experience at WIU to the dean's office," said COFAC Dean Billy Clow. "His extensive background, his commitment to collaboration and providing academic opportunities to students will serve COFAC well. He brings a great deal of familiarity with college and University processes, and we are happy to have him on our team."

Kurasz began teaching at WIU in 2002, serving as director of percussion studies and a professor of music, as well as assistant director of the WIU School of Music since 2019. Prior to coming to WIU, Kurasz was a visiting assistant professor of percussion at Idaho State University, and a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois. He also has extensive performing experience.

Kurasz received his bachelor's degree in music performance from the University of Illinois, Champaign; his master's degree in music from the University of Akron in Ohio and his doctoral degree in musical arts in performance and literature from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing