Dean University of Florida, College of the Arts | Gainesville, Florida We are pleased to announce that the University of Florida has selected Kevin Orr as the next Dean for the College of the Arts. He will assume his new role on July 1, 2026.Professor Orr has led the School of Music at the University of Florida since 2015, overseeing 450 music majors and 55 faculty and staff. During his tenure, he launched new graduate and undergraduate degree programs, appointed 37 full-time faculty and staff, and led fundraising efforts securing nearly $65 million for the renovation and expansion of the music building.A concert pianist, Dr. Orr’s commercial recordings have been celebrated by major music periodicals, including the complete Piano Sonatas and Ballades by Brahms and the Piano Concerto and solo works of Samuel Barber. He is a champion of contemporary music, having fostered numerous premieres and recordings by contemporary composers. A UF Research Foundation Professor, he founded the annual UF International Piano Festival.Professor Orr holds graduate degrees in performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music at Case Western Reserve University and the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, as well as an undergraduate degree in music education.Sean Farrell led this search with David Grimes and Drew Chang.You can view the full press release here.
