Ayoob Named Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Ken Ayoob has been named Dean of Humboldt State University’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Ayoob served as interim Dean of the college since 2007. Prior to his interim appointment, Ayoob served as associate Dean to the college in 2005 and chaired the HSU Music Department from 2000 to 2007.

In assuming his new permanent post, Ayoob will focus on enhancing cross-disciplinary collaboration.

“Looking to the future of CAHSS, the college will promote student/faculty collaboration in research and creative works, increase the level of interdisciplinary cooperation and programs, continue our commitment to diversity and inclusion through efforts such as the faculty fellowship program,” Ayoob said. The fellowship program is a development seminar to provide strategies for ensuring the academic success of underrepresented students.

“I believe that a liberal arts education is critical to future career success and that the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is well positioned to prepare our students. I also know that finding a career path is seldom linear so we will look for ways to integrate career education into our majors so that students can begin to assess their interests, skills and experiences to better prepare themselves for the job market,” Ayoob added.

Ayoob earned his Doctor of Arts in Instrumental Conducting at the University of Northern Colorado and has held positions at Northeastern University, State University of New York (SUNY) Plattsburgh and SUNY Fredonia.

He is founder and conductor of the North Coast Wind Ensemble and serves as an accreditation visitor for the National Association of Schools of Music. He continues to be active as a conductor, adjudicator and clinician.

Ayoob has served in leadership roles in the California Music Educator's Association, College Band Director's National Association, Northern California Band Director's Association, and the California Band Director's Association. He remains active as a performer on both saxophone and clarinet.