Betty Anne Younker, Ph.D. (Northwestern University), is Associate Professor of Music Education and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. During her tenure at a previous post, the University of Western Ontario, she was awarded the Pedro Goldman Teaching Award from the Faculty of Music. She was recently named the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by The Pennsylvania State University College of Arts and Architecture. 

Dr. Younker’s research interests include the philosophy and pedagogy of music education and critical and creative thinking.  Publications include articles in a variety of national and international journals and chapters in several books, while paper presentations have occurred at multiple state, national, and international conferences.

Before appointments at the university level, Dr. Younker taught in public schools in band, choral, and general music settings. In addition she has taught studio flute to beginning to university-aged students.  Presently she is a board member for the College Music Society and the Society of Music Teacher Education, and President of the Michigan Music Educators Association.   As a musician, Dr. Younker is a member of the Vocal Arts Ensemble in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and adjudicates and clinics bands and choirs.