Howard M. Skinner
The Music Library was officially named for Dr. Howard M. Skinner on May 6, 2005 to honor him for his many years of dedication to UNC's College of Performing and Visual Arts, UNC and the surrounding musical community.
Dr. Howard Skinner's activities in the field of music encompass the entire range of performing, conducting, teaching, and administrative experience. Dr. Skinner served the College of Performing and Visual Arts as Dean for thirteen years, and also served as Interim President of the University of Northern Colorado for two years. As professor he has been major advisor and committee member for master's and doctoral degree candidates and teaches conducting to graduate students. Conductor of the UNC Concert Choir since 1963, he continues as an educator of distinction conducting choirs, teaching graduate seminars, and directing mainstage productions for the Opera Theatre program. He also serves as music director and conductor of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra.
Dr. Skinner is a recipient of UNC's Outstanding Professor of the Year Award and Bell Telephone's Silver Baton Award for Distinguished Music Service. He has been named Choral Conductor of the Year by the Colorado Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and was recently inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame. Dr. Skinner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sterling College, a Master of Music degree from MacPhail College of Music, and a Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University. He has pursued post-doctoral studies in Vienna, Florence, and Nice.