James F. O’Donnell

James F. O’Donnell began serving as the new dean of the School of Arts and Letters on July 1, 2013.

In addition to his role of dean, he will also be a professor of music at Truman.

Prior to coming to Truman, O’Donnell had served as dean and professor of music at Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., since 2001. He began his academic career at East Tennessee State University where he held a variety of positions during his 13-year stay, and he was a professor and chair of the Department of Music at Indiana State University.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, with honors, from Saint Mary’s College of Maryland, O’Donnell went on to earn his master’s and doctor of arts degrees from Ball State University, and an artist diploma from the World Federation of International Music Competitions. Among his many attributes, O’Donnell brings experience in strategic planning and assessment, program extension and development, budget development and student recruitment, and alumni and community relations.