Dean of the Conservatory, Arts and Communication
On Faculty since 2008
Office: McAlister 201
Phone: (630)752-5598
Email: Michael.Wilder@wheaton.edu
Education
Ph.D., University of Michigan
About Michael Wilder
Dr. Wilder completed his undergraduate studies in Music at Iowa State University and his M.Mus. and Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. He comes to us from his post as the Chair of the Division of Fine Arts at Friends University where he has served since 2005. His long prior service at Southwestern College concluded with twelve years as Chair of the Department of Music and of the Division of Fine Arts at that institution. In addition to his teaching and administrative work, Dr. Wilder is an accomplished clarinetist who has performed as a member of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra for 30 years, in addition to other musical performances.
Dr. Wilder's administrative gifts and leadership have been widely recognized, as evidenced by his important roles at Southwestern and Friends. In addition, he has risen to leadership roles in a number of other contexts. He is a program director and serves on the faculty of the MasterWorks Festival, one of the most important and vibrant organizations for young Christian artists. He is an accreditation evaluator for the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM; our Conservatory accreditor), and also has served on the Board of Directors of that organization. Dr. Wilder is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Christian Performing Artist's Fellowship, and is active in other organizations as well.