School of Music Professors Named Arthur F. Thurnau Professors

By Mary Owen, University Record

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Two School of Music faculty members were among six honored in February for outstanding contributions to undergraduate education as this year's recipients of Arthur F. Thurnau professorships. Their appointments were approved at the Feb. 17 Board of Regents meeting.

This year's recipients include Freda Herseth and Lester Monts.

The University each year designates Thurnau Professors for a three-year term and grants $20,000 per recipient to support teaching activities, including travel, books, equipment and graduate student support.

The professorships, named after alumnus Arthur F. Thurnau, are supported by the Thurnau Charitable Trust, which was established through his will. This is the award's 18th year.

Herseth is an associate professor of voice and chairwoman of the School of Music Department of Voice. As an expert in vocal pedagogy, she has worked with the world's leading voice scientists. Herseth's students not only benefit from her technical expertise, but also gain insight from her efforts to explore all elements of her craft, including visits to anatomy labs to learn more about the physiology of the voice.

"She brings to her students the insights of an accomplished artist and an expert in the teaching of singing," Courant says. "She is an active advocate for singers in the School of Music and a sought-after advisor who maintains an open-door advising policy for all students."

Monts, a professor of ethnomusicology, has worked for more than 10 years in various University roles to improve undergraduate education. He currently is senior vice provost for academic affairs and senior counselor to the president for the arts, diversity and undergraduate affairs. Monts has spearheaded major initiatives on campus, including helping to expand student orientation and welcome programs, and resources available to students and instructors.

"He has been a tireless advocate for maintaining the rich diversity of U-M's student body," Courant says. "His administrative work has been animated by the principle that the quality of undergraduate education should be paramount."