Aaron Dworkin has announced on Wednesday that he will step down as dean of University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Dworkin, who founded Detroit's Sphinx organization became dean in July 2015 said it was necessary for him to have the opportunity to focus more on his family. He added that he made the decision with intensely mixed emotions.
Dworkin, 46, has a wife, Afa, and two sons. He said he needed to be more present in his family life. His role as a dean was a 24/7 position and he also needed to be able to dedicate his additional time to his family, MLive reported.
He said that Interim Provost Paul Courant will recommend an interim dean in the coming months. He is set to step down effective Aug. 15 but will remain on the faculty, teaching Creative Entrepreneurship and Arts Leadership courses in the fall, Crain's reported.
He will also continue speaking at universities across the country and on his mentoring website. For his remaining months as dean, he said he aims to continue positioning the school to be the most relevant performing arts institution and raise funds for scholarships.
Dworkin was appointed by the UM Board of Regents in May 2015 and served as dean for nearly two years. Among the school's accomplishments during his term, he listed the creation of the Department of Chamber Music and EXCEL, which provides training and career services for student entrepreneurial projects in the performing arts.
Dworkin founded Sphinx when he was a UM undergrad to provide music education and opportunities for black and Latino musicians. He has master's degrees in music and violin performance from UM.
UM was a place where his life was built, said Dworkin. He added that everyone at school have inspired and motivated him at a time when the role of arts in the society was so critically important. The impact made by the faculty, staff, and students was profound and that he still look forward to continue working with them in his new capacity.
