March 24, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — Mark McCoy, who will become the new dean of the DePauw University School of Music after 16 years at Shepherd University in West Virginia, "leaves a legacy of bringing musical excellence to the Eastern Panhandle," declares an article in the Herald-Mail of Hagerstown, Maryland. The text notes, "A native West Virginian, McCoy is an alumnus of Shepherd University,
earning his bachelor's degree from the university before moving on to
the Peabody Conservatory and Texas Tech for his graduate degrees. He
returned to Shepherd in 1995 to lead the instrumental music program and
became chair shortly thereafter."
"We're incredibly proud of all that Mark has accomplished," states Shepherd President Suzanne Shipley. "He has given so much back to students, indicative of the quality he came to expect in the Shepherd experience. Mark educates the whole person."
Richard Helldobler, vice
president for academic affairs at Shepherd, adds, "We are appreciative of all that Dr. McCoy has
accomplished on Shepherd's behalf. Under his leadership, the Department of
Music became recognized by the state of West Virginia as a Program of
Distinction and earned national accreditation with NASM (National
Association of Schools of Music). Shepherd is committed to building upon
that legacy in the years to come. We wish Dr. McCoy success in his new
role and know that he will continue to 
represent us well as he makes his
new mark in the midwest."
Dr. McCoy is conductor of the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra at Shepherd as well as the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, he is the artistic director for the Friends of Music Concert Series, and the founder and CEO of MusicFirst Festivals. The Herald-Mail points out, "McCoy was instrumental in bringing world renowned performances to the region including 2010 concerts by the Vienna Boys Choir and the Canadian Brass Quintet. He also led the successful Year of the Piano in 2004 that brought both Marvin Hamlisch and a Fazioli concert grand piano to Shepherd."
"This community will sorely miss Dr. McCoy," states Neal Barkus, president of the Friends of Music. "His vision and dedication to making music accessible to all people has transformed the quality of life that we enjoy in this region."
Access the article at the newspaper's website.
Founded in 1884, the DePauw University School of Music is one of the nation's oldest private institutions for post-secondary music instruction and the longest-running in Indiana. Read DePauw's announcement of Mark McCoy's appointment here.