Year Inducted: 2003
In recognition to her tremendous impact on the KU campus and surrounding communities, we would like to honor our next inductee, Dr. Toni-Marie Montgomery, Dean of the School of Fine Arts. Dr. Diana B Carlin, Dean of Graduate School and International Programs, describes Dr. Montgomery as “a role model for women, for minorities, and for anyone who wants to be a leader.” Dr. Montgomery, who has a PhD. in musical arts and a Master’s degree of music in piano chamber music and accompaniment, is described as an incredible leader and Dean. In her three-year tenure at KU, she has increased annual gifts for the School of Fine Arts from $394,000 to over $2 million in a two year period, instituted eleven new scholarships, hired nineteen faculty members, established the BFA in dance, and inspired the annual Collage Concert and Fundraiser. In addition, she has encouraged more international activity among her faculty that, according to Dr. Carlin, “will increase the prestige of the School and bring more international students and faculty to Kansas.”
Not only does she have great skills as a leader in the KU community, she also touts an incredible resume in piano performance. She has performed in the United States as well as in Latin America, Europe, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. Dr. Montgomery was also a founding member of the Black Music Repertory Ensemble of Columbia College in Chicago in 1988. Her performances were featured on national television and radio. Recently she has performed in Austin, Brazil and Hawaii. Dr, Alice-Ann Darrow, Professor in the Dept. of Music and Dance, says, “it is no surprise that she has been able to maintain an active performance career while ably managing the duties of being an academic dean. She is indeed a gifted woman.”
In addition to these contributions, Dr. Montgomery has been described as a “good university citizen outside her department.” She has been a frequent speaker at student events, including HawkLink and the Women’s Recognition Program. In addition, she is involved in several faculty and administrative groups. Dr. David Shulenberger, Provost, says of Dr. Montgomery, “Her service to KU in this short time has been extraordinary. She entranced friends of the School of Fine Arts and turned them into donors. She hired extraordinary talents and leaves them behind as faculty members. Her impact on KU will survive long after she has gone.” We wish her well as she begins her new post at Northwestern and appreciate her contributions to KU. The Commission on the Status of Women is honored to induct Dr. Toni-Marie Montgomery into the University of Kansas Women’s Hall of Fame.
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The University of Kansas Medical Center