Indiana University

Skip to:

  1. Search
  2. Breadcrumb Navigation
  3. Content
  4. Browse by Topic
  5. Services & Resources
  6. Additional Resources
  7. Multimedia News

Media Contacts

Alain Barker
IU Jacobs School of Music
abarker@indiana.edu
812-856-5719

Linda Cajigas
IU Jacobs School of Music
lcajigas@indiana.edu
812-855-9846

Last modified: Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Jacobs School appoints Townsend Plant director of admissions and financial aid

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 4, 2007

Townsend Plant

Townsend Plant

Print-Quality Photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music welcomes Townsend Plant as its new director of admissions and financial aid, beginning June 1, 2008.

Plant has served in the same capacity for the School of Music at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, since 2001. While there, he streamlined the admission and financial aid processes for undergraduate and graduate students, enhanced the school's outreach programs, both regionally and nationally, and strengthened the involvement of faculty in recruitment activities. Under his leadership, the number of auditions and applications to the school grew substantially, along with a marked increase in diversity in the student body.

"Townsend possesses a unique combination of collegiate admissions experience, a musical background, excellent communication abilities and a concern for the welfare of others that make him just right for us," said IU Jacobs School of Music Dean Gwyn Richards. "He will reflect the values and priorities of our school and, with the faculty, will work tirelessly on putting an Indiana University education within reach of talented young musicians and dancers."

Gary Potter, director of undergraduate studies at the Jacobs School, is equally enthused.

"When you look at his resume, his experience seems ideal for the position," Potter said. "When you meet him in person, his enthusiasm is what stands out. Put experience and enthusiasm together, and he's the right person for this challenging job."

Following a visit to the Bloomington campus recently, in which Plant met with members of the admissions and financial aid staff, they unanimously welcomed him.

"We are excited to have a person of such experience and qualifications join our team," said Rebecca Patrick, Senior Admissions Coordinator, "and we look forward to his arrival."

Plant is energized with the prospect of working with the Jacobs School administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni in shaping the future of admissions and recruitment.

"The Jacobs School of Music is an extraordinary place, with internationally renowned faculty, exceptional students, and a talented and dedicated staff," he said. "I feel privileged to join this community."

An accomplished classical guitarist, Plant has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician. He is a founding member of the Classical Guitar Society of Upstate New York and the founding director of the D'Addario classical Guitar Competition at Ithaca College.

Plant received his bachelor's and master's degrees in classical guitar performance from Ithaca College and completes his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester this month. Prior to his work at Ithaca College, Plant was director of the Summer Music Festival and Institute at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.