In Memoriam: CCM Associate Dean Emeritus Warren George
A CCM staff member from 1977-2009, George passed away on May 19
The University of Cincinnati is saddened to share news of the passing of CCM Associate Dean Emeritus Warren E. George. A dedicated member of CCM's faculty and leadership team for more than 30 years, George passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 90.
George earned his bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Kansas, and then obtained his master's degree from Michigan State University. He subsequently returned to the University of Kansas to obtain his PhD. George was a long-time educator at various universities, including the University of Texas at Austin from 1967-73 and Pennsylvania State University from 1973-77.
George held a variety of leadership positions during his long tenure at CCM. He first arrived at the college in 1977 to serve as CCM's Music Education Division Head. He then notably served as the college's Associate Dean of Academic Affairs from 1981-2007, where he also led CCM's doctoral studies program and summer music program in Lucca, Italy, and served as the lead on the college's facility renovation.
Professor Edward Nowacki (right) led faculty and staff in a surprise celebration of Warren George (left) on May 13, 2008. Now retired, Nowacki is a Professor Emeritus of Musicology. Photo/Curt Whitacre
George also twice served as Interim or Acting Dean of CCM, first stepping into the role for a six-month period in 1983 following the sudden passing of CCM Dean Norman Dinerstein. George again assumed CCM's top leadership position from 2007-08 following the departure of CCM Dean Douglas Lowry.
CCM Professor Emeritus Eugene Pridonoff characterized George as a "constant presence" and a source of continuity and stability during times of institutional change. In a personal remembrance, Pridonoff shared, "Warren George was one of the foundational leaders who contributed to the greatness and international recognition that CCM reached during the first decade of the 21st Century."
"Warren was a rock. He consistently and successfully worked to enhance the student experience at CCM,” said UC’s Retired Vice Provost and Graduate School Dean Robert Zierolf, who had previously served as CCM’s Composition, Musicology and Theory Division Head.
George was also active in state and national professional organizations through committee assignments and convention presentations. He served the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) in many capacities, including serving on numerous committee assignments and even serving as the President of the OMEA from 1988-90. In 1996 he received the OMEA Distinguished Service Award. While accepting that award, George commented:
"Being an educator in general and a music educator in particular has been a more rewarding and fulfilling experience than I ever could have surmised when I decided 40 years ago to pursue this as a vocation. I have been extremely fortunate during these years to have been associated with many wonderful people who have had a major influence on my development as an educator ... [but] the 'real' influential persons have been the numerous students with whom I have had a professional association; while I think I had an impact on them, I know they had an impact on me."
He was also Chairman of the Music Educators National Conference Publications Planning Committee (1985-90). As an author, he has published articles in various professional journals, major chapters in two books and he was editor of the Journal of Band Research, 1974-82.
In addition to his education and professional achievements, George was a professional trombone player, having completed tours with the USO and was a member of the Austin Symphony. He participated in a Defense Department tour of Europe and North Africa during which he played trombone in a combo and sang in a "Hi-Lo's" type vocal group.
Warren George made significant contributions to CCM throughout his long tenure, and his efforts laid the groundwork for many of the college's future successes. He will be deeply missed. Please join us in sending your thoughts, prayers and condolences to Warren's beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Janet, and their entire family.
A family gathering will be held at a later date. The family invites you to share your thoughts and condolences in Warren's online guestbook on the Strawser Funeral Home's website.
During times of grief, it is important to remember that UC Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers several opportunities for students to talk with someone.
Faculty and staff can also access counseling services through Impact Solutions and UC’s Employee Assistance Plan. Additional information is available by logging into Bearcats Landing.
Featured image at the top: CCM Associate Dean Emeritus Warren George stands in front of the main entrance to Mary Emery Hall and the CCM Atrium.
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