IU Jacobs School of Music Names Executive Director

The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music has promoted Melissa Dickson to executive director of external affairs. She most recently served as the Jacobs School’s director of development. Dickson will continue to lead the school’s development office and manage its participation in IU’s For All: Bicentennial Campaign.

In her new position, she will oversee the evolution and implementation of a cohesive communications strategy for the Jacobs School. Dickson will lead the effort to broaden the national and international visibility of the school, enhance its internal and external partnerships and communicate its reputation to a global audience.

She joined the Jacobs School’s development office as assistant director in 2005 before serving as acting director from 2006 to 2008, significantly expanding vital relationships on behalf of the school, both on and off campus. Dickson was appointed associate director of development in 2008, senior director in 2010 and director in 2012. Her experience has greatly informed her relationship-focused philanthropic model, which she continues to give presentations on.

Dickson graduated from the Jacobs School of Music with a bachelor’s degree in voice performance with an outside field in English literature. She studied with Teresa Kubiak and the late Paul Kiesgen. Dickson has received the Singing Hoosiers Distinguished Young Alumni Award and is recognized for her philanthropic service in the arts and higher education.