May 21, 2025
SVSU selects music professor and faculty leader as dean of the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences
Saginaw Valley State University has appointed Brandon Haskett to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences, effective July 1.
Haskett joined the SVSU music faculty in 2011 and is currently a professor of music. He served as department chair from 2018 to 2021, followed by four years as president of the SVSU Faculty Association, representing some 250 SVSU professors.
“I have a passion for our student-centered mission and look forward to working with faculty to provide our students with opportunities to make their dreams a reality,” said Haskett. “We must continue to utilize our faculty members' expertise to prepare students for tomorrow's challenges and opportunities. We will look creatively and strategically at opportunities that broaden our students' experiences, connect them with the wider community and provide opportunities to innovate in their fields.”
Haskett sees himself as an advocate for the diverse academic disciplines that comprise the college, and he believes that they hold value in modern society.
“We need to stand out by telling our story effectively,” he said. “Engagement with the community, strategic partnerships and ongoing interaction with our alumni are important when advocating for our fields. Being visible, both in physical and digital spaces, is essential to connect with society more broadly.”
In addition to his roles at SVSU, Haskett has shown national leadership, serving on the board of directors for the National Society of Steel Band Educators. His varied experience distinguished him during the search process.
“Dr. Haskett has a track record of leading with authenticity, supporting academic freedom and belief in shared governance,” said Lisa Krissoff Boehm, SVSU provost. “He deeply supports the mission of SVSU to make an impact on its region, the state and the world, as well as the institution's mission of positioning students for social mobility.
“Dr. Haskett displays a strong personal work ethic and dedication to removing barriers to student success. He demonstrated his deep support for the social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities and fine arts throughout the interview process. I look forward to working with him in his new role for years to come.”
Haskett replaces Marc Peretz, who is retiring from SVSU June 30.
Prior to SVSU, Haskett taught at the University of North Georgia and at a K-8 public school in Phoenix where he also served as coordinator of instrumental music. He completed a Doctor of Musical Arts and a master’s degree in music at Arizona State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree at Indiana University.