Robert Blocker reappointed Dean of the School of Music

On August 16, Yale University President Richard Levin announced with great pleasure the reappointment of Robert Blocker as Dean of the School of Music for a term of five years, effective July 1, 2011. Wrote Levin to the School of Music community:

Dean Blocker received enthusiastic support from those who wrote and those with whom I spoke.  He is praised as a superb and visionary leader with a tremendous commitment to students, faculty, and staff at the School.  Robert is compassionate and approachable and is, as one faculty member said, “the most effective and dynamic administrator with whom I have ever served.”  Many said that Robert’s fundraising skills are without equal, and that he has dealt exceptionally well with financial challenges: the School has emerged “more invigorated than ever” from the retrenching and budget cuts of the last year.  Another said that Robert has “guided the School to a new level of excellence and international recognition.”  And, finally, he is “one of the most brilliant leader[s] in the musical world at this time.”

During Robert’s tenure, the relationship between the School and the Department of Music has been greatly enhanced.  In addition, substantial improvements have been made in the technology needed to broadcast and record performances.  Since I became president, I have asked each professional school dean to improve and increase relationships with the New Haven community, and I am pleased that Robert has strengthened greatly the School’s involvement in programming and teaching at the local level.

Personally, I have taken great pleasure in working with Robert these past 15 years; he is a great asset not only for the School of Music, but also for the entire University.  I know that you join me in looking forward to another five years of his extraordinary leadership.