Dean's Message

This year, 2025–2026, we proudly celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the College of Musical Arts. Music at BGSU began in 1914 with just a few classes and a women’s choir, the Treble Clef Club. From those beginnings, the program expanded rapidly, becoming a department in 1947, a School of Music in 1961, and in 1975, the College of Musical Arts.

From the start, our College has held a distinctive voice: rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to embrace the new. As our mission affirms, “By honoring traditions and embracing innovation, we prepare students for diverse musical lives and life-long career growth.”

In this 50^th anniversary year, it is the perfect time to reflect on what it means to honor traditions and embrace innovation. The next 50 years will be shaped by the choices we make now, how we respond to change, work with new technologies, and ensure music continues to inspire, connect, and transform lives.

As we celebrate our history, I invite us all to dream together about our future. What kind of musicians will we be for the 21st century? The answer begins here, with you. Whether you are a student, faculty or staff member, alumnus, or friend, your creativity, passion, and commitment honor our past while building the foundation for our future.

Thank you for your contributions to the College of Musical Arts.

Dr. William Mathis | Dean
College of Musical Arts
Bowling Green State University