OSWEGO, NY, August 18, 2023 - Marilynn Smiley has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Having harbored a tremendous love for music throughout her entire life, Dr. Smiley was introduced to the performing arts at an early age, initially learning to play the piano and flute at the ages of 7 and 12, respectively. She subsequently pursued a formal education at Ball State University, from which she earned a Bachelor of Science in 1954. Following this accomplishment, she began her career as a public school music teacher in Logansport, Indiana between 1954 and 1961. During this time, Dr. Smiley additionally obtained a Master of Music degree in musicology from Northwestern University in 1958 and her certification from Ecoles d'Art Americaines, part of Fontainebleau Schools of Music and Fine Arts in Fontainebleau, France, in 1959.

In 1961, Dr. Smiley became a faculty member in the music department for the State University of New York at Oswego, a position that she would hold for more than 50 years. She would conclude her academic efforts less than a decade afterward, graduating from the University of Illinois with a Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology in 1970. In addition to her position on the faculty at SUNY Oswego, Dr. Smiley was appointed by the university as a distinguished teaching professor between 1974 and 2014 and the chairperson for the music department between 1976 and 1981. She is currently the President of the Oswego branch of AAUW.

As an educator, Dr. Smiley was renowned for her knowledge of ancient Greek music history, literature, the works of Beethoven, music from the Baroque era, American music history, ancient and medieval music, and women in music, among other areas of expertise, including Renaissance music. Since 2014, she has been distinguished as a teaching professor emerita with the State University of New York at Oswego upon her retirement from full-time professional activity in academia. Among the many highlights of her career, Dr. Smiley was particularly proud to witness the progress of her students over the course of four years, having developed their skills to become a professional in their field.

Dr. Smiley has found further success with the Oswego Opera Theater as a member of the board of directors since 1978 and the president of the board of directors since 2009. She has also been affiliated with the American Association of University Women in various roles between 1984 and 2023, including as the former president and co-president of the Oswego branch, a branch council representative and coordinator, an area interest representative for the New York division, a diversity director and chairperson, and a historian. Moreover, Dr. Smiley has been active in myriad administrative posts with the Society for American Music, and the American Musicological Society over the years.

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