ABILENE, Texas — Dr. Robert "Bob" Rankin Brooks has been appointed dean of the new College of Arts and Media at Hardin-Simmons University, the school announced this week.
Brooks previously served at HSU in the music faculty and as dean of the College of Fine Arts.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know Dr. Bob Brooks over these many years, and I believe he is a great addition to HSU’s academic team. I appreciate how he cares for each student that he meets and how he is gifted in unleashing their potential. I look forward to the growth in our new College of Arts and Media as we strengthen relationships throughout Texas and beyond,” HSU President Eric Bruntmyer said.
Brooks’ career includes serving as dean of the College of Fine Arts and the Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University; and associate director of educational outreach and director of educational outreach at The Juilliard School.
His degrees include a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts and a professional internship in arts administration. His teaching background includes conducting, church music, music history, music and worship, musical theatre, arts administration and the music industry.
He has also directed numerous choral and instrumental ensembles, musicals and worship events, as well as working as a musician and an actor from the worship of the church to the professional stage.
Brooks is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Texas Music Educators Association, Actors Equity Association and First Baptist Church, Abilene.