Christopher Johnson serving as School of Music interim dean

LAWRENCE — Christopher Johnson, University of Kansas professor of music education and music therapy, is serving as interim dean for the KU School of Music. 

In addition to his faculty role, Johnson is currently the director of the Music Research Institute and chair of the academic music department.

His appointment as interim dean began July 1. 

Johnson will lead efforts to continuously align academic goals with university initiatives, expand relationships between the school and its partners throughout the community and world, and advocate for the work, studies and research of its faculty, staff and students. 

During his 34 years at KU, Johnson has additionally served as associate dean for research and graduate studies of the School of Fine Arts (predecessor to the School of Music), chair of music education and music therapy, and director of music education.  

Paul Popiel, who has been at KU since 2010 and has served as dean and interim dean since 2022, retired from KU and will return to Notre Dame University, his alma mater. There, he will be the next Kenn and Pamela Ricci Director of Bands.    

Search updates for the next permanent dean of the school will be published in the coming months.