Mark McCoy, chair of the Department of Music at Shepherd University, has been appointed dean of the School of Music at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., effective Aug. 1.

McCoy completes a 16-year career at Shepherd on June 30 and leaves a legacy of bringing musical excellence to the Eastern Panhandle.

A native West Virginian, McCoy is an alumnus of Shepherd College, earning his bachelor’s degree from the university before moving on to the Peabody Conservatory and Texas Tech for his graduate degrees. He returned to Shepherd in 1995 to lead the instrumental music program and became chair shortly thereafter.

“We’re incredibly proud of all that Mark has accomplished,” said Shepherd President Suzanne Shipley in a press release. “He has given so much back to students, indicative of the quality he came to expect in the Shepherd experience. Mark educates the whole person.”

In addition to his duties as chair of the Department of Music and as conductor of the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra at Shepherd, McCoy is also the conductor of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, the artistic director for the Friends of Music Concert Series and the founder and CEO of MusicFirst Festivals.

McCoy was instrumental in bringing world renowned performances to the region including 2010 concerts by the Vienna Boys Choir and the Canadian Brass Quintet. He also led the successful Year of the Piano in 2004 that brought both Marvin Hamlisch and a Fazioli concert grand piano to Shepherd.

“This community will sorely miss Dr. McCoy,” said Neal Barkus, president of the Friends of Music, in a press release. “His vision and dedication to making music accessible to all people has transformed the quality of life that we enjoy in this region.”