Following the Resignation of Two Luther Music Faculty Members, College Names Interim Choral Leadership

Every dollar helps Decorah News chase down the truth on Water Street, not just headlines. Give today. DECORAH — Two members of Luther College's music faculty have resigned, according to a June 2 email sent to employees by Provost Pam Bacon. In the email, Bacon announced the resignations of Dr. Andrew Last and Dr. Nicholas Shaneyfelt. "Each of them indicated in their resignation letters a desire to explore other professional opportunities," Bacon wrote. The email stated that the Provost's Office would work with the music department and President Brad Chamberlain to develop plans for interim faculty appointments for the upcoming academic year. "Respecting the privacy of all individuals, Luther College does not comment on personnel matters," Bacon wrote. The departures affect two prominent members of Luther's music faculty and come as the college prepares for the 2026-27 academic year. Last served as the Weston Noble Endowed Professor and director of choral activities at Luther. A Luther graduate and former student president of the Nordic Choir, he was named the fifth conductor in the choir's history in 2017. He led the ensemble since, in addition to teaching conducting and serving as artistic director of "Christmas at Luther." Shaneyfelt served as associate professor of music in collaborative piano. His work at Luther has included coaching student singers, providing musical direction for the college's opera program and accompanying faculty and student performances. He earned a doctorate in collaborative piano from the University of Michigan and has served in collaborative piano and academic roles at several other institutions. On June 12, the college announced interim leadership for its choral program following Last's departure. In a campus announcement, Luther named Dr. Timothy Peter, a 1986 Luther graduate and former faculty member, as interim director of choral activities, interim conductor of Nordic Choir and interim artistic director of "Christmas at Luther" for the 2026-27 academic year. This leadership change will become effective July 6. Peter previously taught at Luther from 1991 to 2012, conducting several ensembles and serving as head of the music department. He later served as director of choral activities, professor of music and dean of the School of Music at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, retiring only a few months ago in May. According to the announcement, Peter will lead Nordic Choir's domestic tour in January 2027 and its international tour in June 2027. The June 2 email did not indicate when Last's and Shaneyfelt's resignations would take effect beyond the upcoming academic year, nor did it provide additional details regarding their departures. DecorahNews.com has reached out to Luther College officials, who declined to provide additional details regarding the resignations. "In fairness to all, [Luther College] does not comment on personnel matter," a college spokesperson said. "The two have resigned, and we wish them well." The college's music department is one of Luther's most prominent academic programs, known for its choral tradition, touring ensembles and at times global performance opportunities. DecorahNews.com is continuing to report on this story and will provide updates on the college's choral program during the transition. Students, alumni, faculty, staff and others with direct knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the departures may contact the newsroom at news@decorahnews.com. Requests for confidentiality will be considered. Be in the know, always! The free newsletter delivers local news, features, and tips directly to you—perfect for busy readers.