Music professor named interim associate dean student affairs

Dr. Darrin Oehlerking (DMA) has been appointed as the interim associate dean student affairs in the College of Arts and Science for a period of one year.

Oehlerking, the conductor of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Wind Orchestra and an associate professor in the Department of Music, will take on his new role from July 1, 2021 until June 30, 2022.

“I’m excited to serve the College of Arts and Science in this capacity. A positive student experience is crucial for academic and personal growth and success. And while I will miss my day-to-day activities within the Department of Music, I’m excited that I will still conduct the Wind Orchestra,” said Oehlerking.

Oehlerking obtained his Doctor of Musical Arts in 2008 from the University of Iowa and joined USask as an assistant professor in 2010. He was promoted to associate professor and received tenure in 2016.

As associate dean student affairs, Oehlerking will be a key member of the College of Arts and Science’s leadership team. He will work to enhance the student experience and will oversee student academic services, academic advising, learning communities, transfer credit and other undergraduate student services in the college.

“I’m looking forward to a more comprehensive understanding of our college, and specifically what our students encounter in their studies and campus activities. I also look forward to joining a great senior leadership team and contributing to the growth and direction of the college,” said Oehlerking, who teaches courses in wind literature, conducting and music education.

Before joining USask, Oehlerking taught music to students at all levels from primary through post-secondary. He is a past president of the Canadian Band Association.

Oehlerking has been nominated three times for a University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union Teaching Excellence Award. His research interests centre around Canadian wind band repertoire and he has been a guest conductor and presenter at clinics and workshops across Canada, the United States and Europe.

Oehlerking will take over the student affairs portfolio from Dr. Lorin Elias (PhD), who begins a new role as vice-dean academic on July 1. In January 2022, the college will begin a search for an associate dean student affairs to follow Oehlerking’s term.

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