MEMORANDUM
TO: Dr. M. Christopher Brown II
Eighteenth President
FROM: Lucian Yates, III, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and VP for Academic Affairs
RE: Recommendation for Tenure Dossier
Dr. Keith McCutchen
DATE: February 10, 2021
The following recommendation is provided for Dr. Keith McCutchen, candidate for tenure, pursuant to the Kentucky State University Faculty Handbook (last updated and published in 2019). In making this review, I have relied on evidence from the candidate's dossier, the evaluations provided by peers and supervisors, and the relevant sections of the Faculty Handbook, specifically 2.6.1.1., 2.6.1.2., 2.6.1.3, 2.6.1.3.1, 2.6.1.3.2, 2.6.3.3.2, and 2.6.1.4.
Dr. Keith McCutchen brings a wealth of experience to Kentucky State University. He holds a BME in choral conducting from the University of Kentucky; Masters of Music from the University of Minnesota; and a doctorate in music from Indiana University. He has an extensive record of invited performances, presentations, and studies in the musical traditions of the African diaspora.
Review of Teaching and Teaching Effectiveness: As described in Section 2.6.1.1, there is sufficient evidence in the dossier of course planning, maintaining currency in the candidate's field, and of effective teaching. Of particular note is Dr. McCutchen's willingness to adapt to the use of Blackboard and other online techniques in his classrooms. He readily tries to assess his techniques when students are having difficulties. He works closely with the chair in advancing the success of the department. During his first year, there were some poor student evaluations from students (especially, the concert choir) but those were remedied when his teaching assignment was changed.
Review of Scholarly and Creative Activity: As indicated in the candidate's application, Section 2.6.1.2 has been met through the various invitations to guest conduct (in Brazil), his subsequent performances and choral and orchestral work in Sao Paulo. He was commissioned to write an arrangement of Duke Ellington