Dr. Michael Musick, Interim Dean
O: Fine Arts, 305
P: 406-243-6207
E: michael.musick@umontana.edu
Dr. Michael Musick is a sonic artist, interactive artist, composer, performer and improviser. His current practice and research explores interactive music systems, creative improvisation, installation art, soundscape / acoustic-ecology, and interactive theory. As a performer, he uses a computer as his instrument to understand, process, amplify, and play with any sounds occurring within the performance space. Full bio.
Dr. Jennifer Cavanaugh, Interim Associate Dean
O: Music, 102
P: 406-243-4987
E: jennifer.cavanaugh@umontana.edu
Dr. Jennifer Gookin Cavanaugh joined the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ School of Music faculty in 2009 as Professor of Oboe and Music Theory. In 2022, she was appointed Director of the School of Music and during the 2023-2024 Academic Year she served as Interim Co-Dean of the College of the Arts and Media. In addition to serving as Director of the School of Music, she now serves as Interim Associate Dean of Performing Arts and Interim Director of the School of Theatre and Dance. Full bio.
Peggy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Personnel and Operations
O: Fine Arts, 435
P: 406-243-4971
E: peggy.nesbitt@umontana.edu
Peggy Nesbitt has been with the College of the Arts and Media (CAM) since 2011. She has a deep understanding of all campus processes and systems. Full bio.
Kathleen Whetzel, Director of Fiscal Operations and Personnel
O: Don Anderson Hall, 201
P: 406-243-4370
E: kathleen.whetzel@mso.umt.edu
Kathleen Whetzel joined the School of Journalism staff in January 2003. Her background includes legal secretarial work in Spokane and Missoula for over 16 years. Additionally, she was the Assistant Clerk for the Arlee School District for 2 1/2 years. Full bio.
Tara Ballis, Wellbeing Support Coach
O: McGill
E: tara.ballis@mso.umt.edu
Tara is completing her practicum role as a Wellbeing Support Coach for both the College of Arts and Media and for the American Indian Student Services. Areas of support include stress management, sleep, time management, movement, nutrition, and making referrals. Currently in her second year of the UMOnline Master of Social Work program, she received her A.A. in General Studies from Chief Dull Knife College and a B.S. in Health and Human Performance, with a concentration in Community Health and a minor in Dance from the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Holistic wellness inspires much of her work. Studying and teaching experience includes dance, Pilates, personal training, and guided meditation. She has been a licensed massage therapist for 20 years, and recently became a certified birth doula by DONA International. During her free time, she enjoys music and spending time outdoors with her husband, two dogs, and one-year-old son.