Faculty Profile - Dr. Brian Webb

Dr. Brian Webb in his element Dr. Brian Webb was trained as an organist and conductor, but today, as the dean of Union Institute & University’s Master of Arts Online program, he conducts a team of faculty, staff, and learners hard at work creating one of the most innovative M.A. programs in the country.

According to Webb, a New Zealand native and former conductor with a doctorate in music from Indiana University, serving as dean of the M.A. program is very similar to conducting an orchestra.

“As a conductor, you’re constantly dealing with people, trying to coordinate and time things so that everything goes in the right direction. You also have to be creative and have a strong vision of what you want to accomplish,” said Webb. “What I like about my work as dean of the M.A. program is that I have the opportunity to be creative, much like my work as a conductor.”

In 2006, Webb orchestrated a restructuring of the M.A. program, moving it from a low-residency program and bringing it entirely online. Today, it is one of the university’s most popular programs. Webb believes that the online delivery model is just part of the reason it is so successful. “I think what’s most important is to stay innovative – to stay fresh. Our programs are all very relevant in today’s world, and the M.A. faculty members are extremely experienced in their fields,” he said. “We are always looking for better ways to serve our learners.”

Graduates of UI&U’s M.A. program have gone on to careers as professors at large universities. Others use their degree as stepping stones in their respective careers in areas including archaeology, non-profit administration, and education. Still others, inspired by their UI&U experience, dive even further into their studies by continuing on to earn doctorate degrees.

The M.A. program’s core is strong, says Webb, but there are a few changes up ahead. As the program continues to attract new learners, he’s hoping to add a few new members to the administrative team and to continue to develop the M.A. program’s marketing efforts. These changes are preparation for Act Two.

“We’ve created a program that is steadily growing and maturing,” says Webb. “And now we’re gearing up for another growth spurt. This is exciting.”