Uribe Named Chair of Department of Music

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Earlier this spring semester, Lia Uribe was named chair of the Department of Music in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

Uribe joined the U of A in 2013 as an assistant professor of music, rising to director of undergraduate studies in 2017, associate professor in 2019 and associate chair in 2020. She is the second woman and first person of Latin heritage to chair the department.

"Dr. Uribe is a tremendous resource and leader in Fulbright College, at the U of A and in our community," said Kathryn Sloan, interim dean of Fulbright College.

"Her excellence in teaching, performance, research and service demonstrate why she is poised to lead our accomplished Department of Music to new heights. We are grateful for Dr. Uribe's expertise and commitment to students, faculty, staff and her community," Sloan added. "We are also grateful for the strong foundation that Dr. Ronda Mains built for the department during her time as chair, and wish her all the best in her upcoming retirement."

Uribe is an international bassoonist, chamber musician, orchestral player and teaching artist. Her research is centered on Latin-American, Latinx and historically marginalized and underrepresented music and composers. As an advocate for new repertoire, she has premiered and commissioned numerous works for the bassoon.

She is especially passionate about building community partnerships and relationships.

In 2019, Uribe founded RefleXions Music Series, a celebration of music, musicians, advocates and audiences that fosters creative justice through opportunities to reflect, learn, grow, change and teach.

She is a facilitator for the Mid-America Arts Alliance Artist INC professional development program and a member of the boards of directors for the Walton Arts Center and Creative Arkansas Community Hub and Exchange. She also supports the greater Northwest Arkansas region as the U of A's liaison to the Northwest Arkansas Municipal Arts Alliance.

"Leading the Department of Music is an exciting next step in my service to the U of A," Uribe said. "As Northwest Arkansas and beyond continue to grow as a hub for the arts, I'm also excited to think about building our outreach and service. This is an outstanding department, and I look forward to continuing the already superb support of our students and faculty as they pursue teaching, learning, research and performance excellence."

Uribe holds a B.M. in bassoon performance from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, an M.M. in bassoon performance from the U of A and a D.M.A. in bassoon performance from the University of Kansas.

She is also part of the UA ENGAGE Leadership Exploration Program and is pursuing an M.B.A. in arts innovation from the Global Leaders Institute.