UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Douglas C. Orzolek, chair of the Department of Music, Film and Creative Enterprise and professor of music at the University of St. Thomas, has been named associate dean for graduate academic affairs in Penn State’s J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, following a national search. He will begin his appointment on Jan. 2, 2026.
The associate dean for graduate academic affairs will play a pivotal role in supporting student success via student case management, conflict resolution, academic advocacy, mentorship and support structures for students experiencing academic challenges. Orzolek also will work with graduate faculty to develop and roll out a data-driven mentorship program aimed at increasing their effectiveness in advising students.
Overseeing and proactively monitoring student academic performance, Orzolek will employ degree completion and student academic success initiatives to improve retention and graduation rates. He also will be charged with developing an early-warning system for students facing academic or research hardships and collaborating with University offices — such as Counseling and Psychological Services and the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response — to connect students in need with appropriate campus resources.
“Dr. Orzolek’s return to Penn State is a full-circle moment that we’re proud to celebrate,” said Levon T. Esters, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Fox Graduate School. “His commitment to mentorship and proactive student support aligns perfectly with our goals for graduate student success and excellence. We’re excited for the impact he’ll make in this pivotal role.”
Orzolek is returning to Penn State after earning his master’s degree in music education at the University in 1993. During his time as a master's student, Orzolek directed the campus band and the Pride of the Lions Pep Band; guest conducted the Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Mozart Orchestra; and served as a graduate assistant for the Blue Band.
Orzolek brings to the Fox Graduate School more than 25 years of experience educating, advising and overseeing graduate students at the University of St. Thomas. For nearly 15 years, he served as the director of graduate programs in music education, where he advised more than 100 master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.
Throughout his career, Orzolek has held a deep-seated passion for education, developing curriculum, tutoring, and authoring and contributing to peer-reviewed scholarship related to music theory and education. He currently acts as a music curriculum consultant to several local schools and districts, in addition to his appointment at the University of St. Thomas.
Orzolek has been recognized on a state and national level for his excellence in music education, being inducted into the Minnesota Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 2014 and named the University of St. Thomas Distinguished Educator of the Year in 2003.
Orzolek has acquired interdisciplinary education expertise by co-teaching courses and conducting research with students and faculty in engineering, physics and education. He also was selected as chair of the committee that created the Minnesota Standards for Arts Education and its accompanying assessments.
In addition to earning a master’s degree from Penn State, Orzolek received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Mansfield University in 1989 and a doctoral degree in music education from the University of Minnesota in 1995.
Orzolek said he is thrilled to be back at Penn State, where he feels he can give back to his alma mater in a meaningful way.
“I have dedicated my life to academia, in part to honor all of those who have helped me attain my goals,” Orzolek said. “I want others to discover their dreams, and I see education as the means to meet that end. Through this position, I hope to continue these efforts on a much larger scale.”