2020 Retiring Faculty

D. Glen Vanderbilt, Jr.

Professor of Theatre
(1983-2020)

Professor Vanderbilt—educator, designer, director—was born in Hawaii, but grew up in Michigan and Ohio, where earning the rank of Eagle Scout would be the first of many major milestones in his career. And like the scout’s proverbial pocket-knife, he proved to be multifaceted both in his professional and private life.

Majoring in speech and theatre at Heidelberg College, Glen worked backstage and onstage, taking first prize in the 1973 state forensic competition for poetry interpretation. In 1975, Glen earned his MFA in design from Northwestern University, where he combined his theatre interests in a self-designed study of acting, directing, and design. Early teaching positions landed him at Tarkio College, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Colorado before joining OWU in 1983.

For the next 37 years, Glen taught and worked in all areas of theater at OWU, while primarily anchoring the design and technical needs of the department: scenic design, lights, costumes, sound, props, and stage management. Glen was instrumental in developing and maintaining the facilities in Chappelear Drama Center, always adhering to strict standards for safety and professionalism—ask anyone in his courses or on his crews! Scores of students went on to succeed in grad programs and careers because of Glen’s tutelage. All in all, Glen designed or directed over 120 productions on campus. It’s fair to say, he and the resident ghost “Scottie” turned out the lights most nights in Chappelear.

Professor Vanderbilt’s contributions extended well beyond production work, most recently serving as chair for over 12 years. During his distinguished career, the faculty elected Glen to serve on important committees such as Faculty Personnel, Academic Policy, University Governance, and Teaching and Learning. Glen advised OWU’s chapter of Theta Alpha Phi (national theatre honorary), created most of the departmental publications, and developed a complete digital archive for a century of production photos and events.

Outside OWU, Glen pursued the field with characteristic tenacity, taking master classes and seminars at Banff Fine Art Center, Colbalt Scenic Studio, and elsewhere. He achieved one of the greatest distinctions in the profession in 1990, earning membership into United Scenic Artists. Glen designed hundreds of shows for professional, university, and community theatres around the country, including Boston Publick Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Interlochen Arts Academy, Ballet Met, and Contemporary American Theatre Company (including exquisite scenery for Sarah Ruhl’s Clean House). His designs received nine awards for excellence from the USITT- Ohio Valley. In addition, Glen served as President of the Ohio Theatre Alliance and regularly provided expertise for numerous schools and community organizations in the area.

Our in-house renaissance man, Professor Vanderbilt leaves an unmatched legacy at Ohio Wesleyan, and the heartfelt gratitude of students, alumni, and colleagues.