Arthur Ostrander, dean of the School of Music, announced yesterday his plans to step down as dean in May 2008 and retire at the end of the 2008-09 academic year.
Dave Maley, associate director of media relations, said Ostrander will be on sabbatical leave during the 2008-09 academic year, but will remain a part of the Ithaca College community until his retirement in 2009.
Ostrander joined the music faculty at the college in 1971 and became dean in 1985. During his tenure, he guided the school through its 10-year reaccredidation review by the National Association of Schools of Music, and oversaw the 1999 expansion of the James J. Whalen Center for Music.