The University of Minnesota announced Michael Kim as its new director of the School of Music on Monday following a months-long selection process and discussion on leadership restructuring.

 

The school began looking for a new director last year after a move to shift the school’s top positions and remove the assistant director’s position. Kim will assume that job’s duties when he takes his role on July 31.

 

He was one of three final candidates, which search committee members interviewed and examined during the spring months to determine the school’s best fit.

 

Kim has served as the dean of the Brandon University School of Music in Manitoba, Canada, since 2008. He played with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at age 15 and received his bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of Calgary.

 

He was chair of the keyboard department at Lawrence University in Wisconsin prior to his position at Brandon University.

 

Kim said in the new role, he wants to focus on promoting the school’s music and musicians throughout the University and city.

 

“If you are relevant to the community, you are important to the community,” Kim said. “And if you are contributing to the community, they will also give back 

to you.”