Reba Wissner

Dr. Reba Wissner is an Associate Professor of Musicology at the Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University, where she also serves as Interim Associate Dean in the Honors College. She specializes in film, television, and video game music, with a strong commitment to pedagogy and accessibility in higher education.

Education:

• PhD, Musicology, Brandeis University, 2012
• MFA, Musicology, Brandeis University, 2008
• BA, Music and Italian, Hunter College, CUNY, 2005
• Graduate Certificate, Higher Education Administration, Northeastern University, 2019
• Graduate Certificate, Instructional Design, University of Wisconsin - Stout, 2020
• Levels 1, 2, and 3 UDL Credentials, UDL-IRN
• Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewer and Master Reviewer

Dr. Wissner’s research centers on music in screen media, particularly Cold War-era television, and the intersection of music with cultural narratives. She is a leading voice in public musicology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), advocating for inclusive and accessible music education. Her work spans historical analysis, pedagogical innovation, and interdisciplinary media studies.

Her recent publications reflect a consistent focus on sonic storytelling, with books on The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, David Lynch, and Twin Peaks. She explores themes of nuclear anxiety, identity, and adaptation across media. Her editorial projects include the Oxford Handbook of Public Musicology and a guide on UDL in music history classrooms.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, Columbus State University, 2022
• Governor’s Teaching Fellow, Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education, 2022
• Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewer and Master Reviewer
• UDL Levels 1–3 Credentials

Dr. Wissner has secured editorial contracts with Routledge and Oxford University Press, reflecting her leadership in the field. She mentors emerging scholars through collaborative editing and public scholarship initiatives. Her work in online learning and accessibility has shaped curriculum development and peer review standards. She leads the Public Musicology Certificate program and contributes to interdisciplinary studies and honors education.

She is actively involved in research teams focused on media music and pedagogical innovation, integrating digital tools and inclusive design into music history education.