Music professor Timothy Gerber slated as Autumn Commencement speaker

Michael Huson, Nick Roll
Thu, 01 Dec 2016 20:17:59 +0000
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Timothy Gerber’s research focuses on on the education of music teachers, as well as music development in adolescents and music-education policy in schools. Credit: Courtesy of Ohio State

School of Music Professor Timothy Gerber is set to address the estimated 3,400 Ohio State students expected to be awarded degrees at the Autumn 2016 graduation ceremony.

Gerber said the offer to address graduating students this fall held extra meaning to him as a faculty member with more than three decades at the university under his belt.

“I am a true Buckeye,” he said. “Because I am a true Buckeye, I am very humbled and honored to be asked to address our graduates.”

Gerber joined OSU’s faculty in 1984, and has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses during his time at the university, according to a news release sent out on Thursday. His research has focused on the education of music teachers, as well as music development in adolescents and music-education policy in schools.

He is also co-author of “Music Now! Its Role and Importance in Our Lives,” a digital textbook published in 2016.

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Timothy Gerber as our speaker at the 414th commencement ceremony,” University President Michael V. Drake said in the release. “Whether it’s his service to the university or volunteering his time as a general music teacher, Dr. Gerber is an exemplar of the dedication and excellence we seek to instill in all of our graduates.”

As a student, Gerber earned a bachelor’s of music in 1969 from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and a master’s degree in education in 1978 and his doctorate from Temple University in 1982, according to the university.

At OSU, he serves in the University Senate, where he is in his second term as secretary. He also previously served as the chair of the Faculty Council after being elected in 2009.

OSU’s 414th commencement ceremony is scheduled to be held Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Schottenstein Center, according to the university.