Baylor School of Music Announces Return of Lynne Gackle, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus

The Baylor University School of Music announces that Dr. Lynne Gackle, Professor Emeritus of Music and former Director of Choral Activities, will return to the Baylor choral program in an interim capacity for the 2026–27 academic year.

Dr. Gackle previously served the School of Music in a distinguished career that included leadership as Director of Choral Activities, Chair of the Ensemble Division, and holder of the Mary Gibbs Jones Chair in Music. In this returning appointment, she will rejoin the choral area to work with students and collaborate with faculty during the upcoming academic year.

Since her retirement in 2023, Dr. Gackle has remained active as a conductor, clinician, and educator, continuing to lead honor choirs, present at national and regional conferences, and engage in scholarly and editorial work. Her recent engagements include conducting the 2026 ACDA Northwestern Regional Conference High School Treble Honor Choir and the 2026 Texas Two-Year Collegiate All-State Mixed Choir, as well as contributing to the 2025 publication Choral Repertoire by Women Composers.

Reflecting on her work, Dr. Gackle describes her role simply: “I am an educator, musician, conductor, scholar, and mentor to students and singers of all ages.” Her teaching philosophy remains rooted in a commitment to people first. “I teach people, and choral music is the medium by which I accomplish this goal,” she notes, emphasizing the enduring impact of music as a means of connection, growth, and service.

Her return to Baylor represents both continuity and renewal within the choral program. 

“I feel blessed that God has given me the strength, the health, and once again, the opportunity to interact with students in the rehearsal hall, the concert hall, and in the classroom at Baylor,” Dr. Gackle shares. “To continue to invest in the lives of students is a true gift.”

Dr. Gackle also expressed enthusiasm for rejoining her colleagues in the School of Music. “It is truly an honor to be asked to work alongside my colleagues in the Choral Department and within the School of Music,” she says. “I am grateful and very blessed to have this opportunity.”

Her return reflects the School of Music’s ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching, performance, and mentorship, and offers students the opportunity to work with one of the field’s most respected choral educators.

Dr. Gackle will be teaching in an interim capacity for the Fall '26 and Spring '27 academic year.

Sic 'em, Dr. Gackle!