CMS May Spotlight - Betty Anne Younker
Early Career Music Faculty Cohort
Dr. Betty Anne Younker served as CMS President from 2015-2016, and has since led CMS in numerous capacities, including her current role as co-facilitator of the CMS Early-Career Music Faculty Cohort, which she leads alongside fellow CMS Past-President Dr. Mark Rabideau. This cohort aims to provide professional development and peer support to faculty members navigating the earlier stages of their careers.
Dr. Younker is currently Adjunct Professor Emerita at the University of Western Ontario, following her service as Dean of the Don Wright Faculty School of Music from 2011-2021. Previous appointments were at the University of Michigan (2000-2011), University of Western Ontario (1997-2000) and the University of Prince Edward Island (1992-1997). During her time at Western she was awarded the Dr. Pedro Goldman Award Faculty of Music Students Council. In 2008, she was awarded the distinguished Alumnus of the Year by Pennsylvania State University College of Arts and Architecture. Her research interests include critical and creative thinking within the disciplines of philosophy and psychology. Publications include articles in national and international journals, and chapters in several books. Paper presentations have occurred at provincial, state, national, and international conferences. Before appointments at the university level, Dr. Younker taught music in the public school system and maintained a private flute studio.
We recently had the opportunity to reach out to Betty Anne to discuss the Early-Career Music Faculty Cohort and her larger experiences as a leader within The College Music Society.
Q: What was your entry point into involvement with CMS? How has your work with CMS enriched your career?