Dr. Jana R. Fallin's Retirement
The Office of the Provost and the School of Music, Theater and Dance recognize Jana Fallin for 31 years of service.
After earning her degree in Music Education from Baylor University (1968), Jana taught elementary music in Austin, TX. She entered graduate school at the University of Texas, completing her Master of Music (1974) and Ph.D. (1979). She took her first college teaching position at Peabody College, now part of Vanderbilt University in 1977. She completed her doctoral degree while teaching there, and in 1980, Jana moved to the University of Southwestern LA (now Un. of Louisiana Lafayette) as head of music education. Here she met and married her husband David, and had their two sons, Daniel and Benjamin.
In 1987 Dr. Fallin moved to the University of Northern Iowa as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Music Education department. K-State hired Dr. Fallin in 1988 as their first full-time elementary Music Specialist. In 1989, she became Chair of Music Education. She was selected twice for the Stamey Award in Arts and Sciences, and became the Coffman Chair/University Distinguished Teaching Scholar in 2002. The Division of Music Education at K-State more than doubled during her time. Working with the team of faculty, she trained music teachers, many of whom continue to teach in Kansas and beyond. She also worked with doctoral students in Curriculum and Instruction through the College of Education
Dr. Fallin became the Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning at K-State in 2012. She guided the Center through three moves, a name change and many new programs. Her work in the TLC has helped K-State’s professors become more effective. All five of her GTAs in the TLC have presented at national conferences and co-authored publications with her. The TLC hosted the third Big XII Teaching and Learning Conference, and the first International Conference on Teaching Excellence hosted jointly by K-State and Jilin University with the Confucius Center at K-State. The creation of SPOTLIGHT K-State with Michael Wesch and Chad Jackson is her signature event, a celebration of Teaching Excellence at K-State.
Dr. Fallin is nationally known in the world of elementary music education, having presented at numerous national organizations throughout her career. She has authored four text books with a third edition of Using Music to Enhance Student Learning currentlyin production. She is the author of many articles and scholarly research in music, including her work with authentic cowboy music which she presented at the International Conference on Arts and Culture in Venice, Italy in 2009.
The overarching theme throughout the career of Jana Fallin has been one of teaching---teaching her students and also teaching others how to teach for success. Her great joy comes from helping people become effective teachers. Jana often quoted former K-State Provost Dr. James Coffman in her presentations that “teaching is the core mission of the university,” and her career has always centered on enhancing that mission.
We appreciate Jana’s passionate contributions to the teaching and learning community at K-State. She has initiated many creative programs and developed many partnerships around campus that have had a tremendous impact on faculty and students alike.
Reception Video : Click Here
Moments from the Reception Ceremony
