Hardin Professor named at commencement ceremony

Dr. Donald E. Maxwell, professor of music, was named Hardin Professor for 2007 during the MSU commencement Saturday morning.  Hardin Professor is the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the university each year.

The Hardin Foundation for Wichita County established the annual award in 1962 for a member of the MSU faculty whose teaching and research of the preceding 12 months has brought distinction to the faculty member and the institution.  The award carries with it a stipend of $3,500.  

Maxwell received his Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University, his Bachelor of Music  from Friends University, and his M.M. and D.M.E. from University of Oklahoma.

He began his career at MSU in 1971 as an assistant professor of music. He was promoted to associate professor in 1973, tenured in 1975, and was promoted to professor in 1980. Maxwell served as chairman of the department of music from 1975-1984. In the fall of 1981, he took a sabbatical to study with Master Teacher Cornelius Reid.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has edited a number of publications, been the music director and/or conductor of many performances, and has made many solo   performances.

He currently serves as president of Community Messiah, Inc., Judge for National Association of Teacher of Singing (NATS), and Judging Chairman of NATS Annual Regional Conference. Since 2002 he has served as Oklahoma All-State Solo and Ensemble Judge and Vocal Judge for Lawton Festival of Music.

He serves on many MSU committees and received the Faculty Award in 1990.

Dr. Maxwell has served Midwestern State University for 36 years.