Office of the Dean
Learn more about the dedicated team at the USC Thornton School of Music comprising the Office of the Dean.
Support Team
Thornton colleagues provide professional support to the Office of the Dean.
Stuart Kessler
Executive Assistant to the Dean
Stuart Kessler is a musician and an administrator. In his capacity as Executive Assistant, Kessler acts as a liaison to the dean's office while managing its administrative operations. His USC portfolio includes years of executive service during the formation of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.
Kessler studied at USC Thornton and is an accomplished saxophone and woodwind player. His musical pursuits outside of the office include big bands, rock, and saxophone quartets, as well as singing in a local men’s choir.
Michael Doshier
Special Assistant to the Dean for External Affairs
Michael Doshier is a writer, musician, performer, and administrator. His professional portfolio includes over a decade of administrative experience at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in areas of Student Affairs; the Department of Design for Stage and Film; and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.
Beyond USC, Doshier's creative endeavors as a musician and as a screenwriter continue to garner notice from respected outlets including NPR Music and the Sundance Screenwriter's Lab.
Dean's Initiatives
Special projects stewarded by the Office of the Dean.
Dean's List
USC Thornton recognizes undergraduate students with a Thornton major who have achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher, after completing 12 units or more of letter-graded course work. View the most recent Dean’s Lists for Fall 2023 and Spring 2023.
USC Thornton Music Mentorship
The USC Thornton Music Mentorship Program is an annual initiative designed to connect music majors with leading industry professionals. Mentors are paired with current USC Thornton students, offering strategic career advice that spans all facets of professional music.
