By Lori Dugan/EAC
THATCHER – Eastern Arizona College’s Fine Arts Division is undergoing a dynamic transformation under the leadership of its director, Dr. Gideon Burrows, now in his second year at the helm. As part of the division’s revitalization, three accomplished musicians and educators have joined the faculty: Marilee Decker, Dr. Michael Shoaf and Dr. Gréta Pásztor Wung.
Together, these new hires bring a wealth of talent, experience and vision to EAC’s music program, strengthening both its instructional quality and its performance offerings. Their arrival is part of an ongoing effort to build the division’s infrastructure, expand its community engagement, and offer students a more robust, diverse and competitive fine arts education.
“These new faculty members are the cornerstone of our renewed vision for fine arts at EAC,” Burrows said. “Their expertise and passion will inspire our students and elevate our program to new heights.”
Marilee Decker — Associate Professor of Choral Music Education
Decker will serve as the instructor for the Symphonic Choir, Vocal Jazz, Revue (show choir) and the GilaSoul Singers. A dedicated choral music educator with more than a decade of experience teaching K–12 music, she specializes in building strong, expressive ensembles. An EAC alumna, she earned her associate degree in music before completing her bachelor’s degree in music education with a choral emphasis at Brigham Young University–Idaho. She is pursuing her master’s degree in music education through Liberty University.
For the past seven years, Decker directed multiple choirs at Mesa High School, leading students to regional and state-level honors while cultivating a culture of musical excellence. She has also worked extensively in musical theater and served as a clinician and adjudicator for choral festivals.
Dr. Michael Shoaf — Associate Professor of Music (Voice)
Shoaf will serve as voice area coordinator and lead the tenor-bass choir, Resonus. A countertenor originally from Pennsylvania, he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal performance, with a related field in opera/theatre production, from the University of Utah. His performance career spans opera, concert and international appearances in Canada, Austria, Germany and Italy.
Shoaf’s roles include Nerone and Arnalta in L’Incoronazione di Poppea, Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro and Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He has participated in masterclasses with acclaimed artists and has premiered contemporary works, including roles in A.L.I.C.E. and Le Roman de Silence.
Dr. Gréta Pásztor Wung — Assistant Professor of Music
Wung is a concert pianist, conductor and educator whose career spans the United States and Romania. A native of Transylvania, she began playing piano at age 3 and has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Arizona Symphony and the Tuscarawas Philharmonic. Her research focuses on leading piano concertos from the keyboard, and her repertoire includes works by Bach, Mozart and Liszt.
She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Arizona, as well as dual master’s degrees in piano performance and choral conducting from Kent State University. Wung has also been active as a church musician and collaborative pianist, performing with ensembles and chamber groups across the Southwest.
About the Fine Arts Division
EAC’s Fine Arts Division offers a diverse range of academic and performance opportunities in music, theater, dance and visual arts. The program emphasizes both technical skill and creative expression, preparing students for professional careers or continued study at four-year institutions. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty who are active professionals in their fields, including Theatre Arts Professor Jeff Skiba, Director of Bands Dr. Geoff DeSpain, Professor Franklin Alvarez, Director of Orchestras, and professor Scott Dahl, scene shop director.
“President Haynie set the tone from the beginning of his presidency that fine arts should be a vibrant and integral part of EAC,” Burrows said. “By bringing in faculty of this caliber, we are directly advancing that vision — ensuring that our programs challenge students academically, operate sustainably and connect meaningfully with our community.”
About Gideon Burrows, DMA
Burrows received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Brigham Young University, his M.Ed. in educational leadership from the University of Idaho, his M.M. in choral conducting from BYU, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of North Texas. Before accepting the position of fine arts director in 2023, he served as director of choral music at EAC.
Burrows is known for his work developing innovative performance programs, forging community partnerships and championing arts accessibility. He enjoys reading, hiking and playing games with his family.
For more information about EAC’s fine arts programs, visit www.eac.edu or contact division secretary, Stephanie Walters, at (928) 428-8359.
