Edward Jurkowski

• BMus, University of Manitoba
• PhD, Music Theory, University of Rochester

Dr. Edward Jurkowski, a strong leader and passionate advocate for music and the arts, was the dean of the Desautels Faculty of Music from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2024. Dr. Jurkowski led the faculty during an exciting period during his tenure, which saw the completion of funding for the Desautels Concert Hall and its opening in 2024; the implementation of exciting new academic initiatives such as the MA in Music Research and Micro Certificate in Songmaking; the hiring of multiple professors and instructors, including the faculty's first Indigenous Scholar; and the induction of the Clearwater Quartet as the Desautels Faculty of Music's current chamber ensemble-in-residence.

Dr. Jurkowski received his undergraduate degree in musical composition from the University of Manitoba before earning his MA and PhD in music theory from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. He has disseminated his research in serveral books, journals, and conferences and his teaching excellence was recognized by two Distinguished Teaching Award nominations.

Prior to coming to the University of Manitoba, Dr. Jurkowski served the University of Lethbridge for twenty-two years, the last six of which as the dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts - home to the department of music.

Throughout his career, Dr. Jurkowski has garnered the reputation of being a strong administrator and valued collaborator. Outside of the academy, he has served as president of the Canadian University Music Society, chair of the Standing Committee of Institutional Members of MusCan, and chair of the Canadian Association of Fine Arts Deans. His valued work was recognized with the Canadian Association of Fine Arts Deans 2024 Academic Leadership Award in Arts Education.