The Office of Technology Solutions welcomed Associate Professor Roy Magnuson as the new director of emerging technologies for instruction and research on Friday, August 16, 2024. Dr. Magnuson hails from the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, where he has taught classes in composition and music theory. He has collaborated with faculty and researchers in a number of disciplines, including the Mennonite College of Nursing and the Department of Technology. Most recently, he was selected to be a provost fellow, leading an institutional effort to create awareness around and respond to the opportunities that generative AI presents to higher education.
In this new role, Dr. Magnuson will be a liaison between Tech Solutions, the Office of the Provost, and faculty across campus—learning what research and study is happening at Illinois State, connecting with people, acting as a translator of sorts, and working to procure funding.
“Dr. Magnuson’s interests in virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), generative artificial intelligence (AI), and more make him an excellent fit for this role, which will combine thinking about the future of technology alongside teaching and education,” said Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President Charley Edamala. “Roy will continue working with university leadership to explore how technology and AI can change our pedagogies going forward.”
This role will be essential in identifying and reducing redundancies, while championing research and technologies that can help Illinois State University become more adaptive and agile. According to Dr. Magnuson, “When technology changes every day, we need to be able to adjust to it immediately. Or if nothing else, do exploratory research. We need to build on the current infrastructure and the cultural awareness to get people ready for it.”
After completing his undergraduate degree in music composition here at Illinois State, Dr. Magnuson went on to Ithaca College and the University of Illinois for his master’s and doctorate degrees, respectively. He was hired into a non-tenure track position here at Illinois State in 2011, then started a tenure track position in 2015. While the blend of music composition and technology may seem unorthodox, Dr. Magnuson views his role in both as arranging items and systems, seeing opportunities to bring in the unexpected, and thinking holistically.
For more on Dr. Magnuson’s accomplishments in music, technology, and beyond, read the following:
New Redbird inspired by the musical work of Illinois State faculty member
Virtual composer: Professor creates new musical worlds with solsticeVR
A match made in virtual reality
Office of the Provost introduces 2023-2024 Special Assistant to the Provost and Provost Fellows
