The University of Missouri Board of Curators recently named 10 Mizzou faculty members Curators’ Distinguished Professors and Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professors. This year’s recipients included two faculty from the College of Arts and Science: 

• Curators’ Distinguished Professor Scott H. Holan, a professor of statistics in the College of Arts and Science
• Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor Brian A. Silvey, a professor of music education, director of bands and interim director of the School of Music in the College of Arts and Science 

The designation is the highest and most prestigious academic rank the Board of Curators awards. It is awarded to a select few outstanding scholars with established reputations. 

Scott H. Holan

Holan, a professor of statistics in the College of Arts and Science, is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in spatio-temporal statistics and data confidentiality, particularly in applications to official survey data. His methods have become standard practice at the U.S. Census Bureau, transforming how uncertain data across geography and time are modeled while protecting privacy. Continuously supported by major federal funding agencies, including nearly $4 million from the NSF, his research is advancing statistical approaches that have reshaped the field. He currently serves as co-editor-in-chief of the prestigious journal of the International Statistical Institute (ISI).

Holan’s many honors include election as a Fellow of the American Statistical Association, the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, the International Statistical Institute and the AAAS.

Brian A. Silvey

Silvey, a professor of music education, director of bands and interim director of the School of Music, is widely recognized for his work in developing conductor expertise and preparing future music educators. Since joining the faculty in 2009, he has trained hundreds of undergraduates to become certified music teachers and mentored graduate students pursuing academic careers. Under his leadership, Mizzou concert band ensembles have earned peer-reviewed invitations to perform at state, regional and national conferences, while his conducting skills have brought him invitations to work with more than 50 honor bands nationwide.

Recognized with Mizzou’s William T. Kemper Award for Teaching Excellence, Silvey was named a 2025 Fulbright U.S. Scholar, a prestigious honor that took him to the University of Melbourne to guest teach, conduct and advance research in music education. He also serves on the executive committee of the National Association for Music Education.