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Michael “Mick” Cumbie was named the interim Director for the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts (GCPA).
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Cumbie Named Interim Director of Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts

June 1, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University is pleased to announce Michael "Mick" Cumbie as the interim Director for the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts (GCPA), effective June 1.

"Mick's leadership and commitment to WIU is unmatched," WIU Provost and Academic Vice President Mark Mossman said. "He will be excellent in this important role."

Cumbie served as director of development for the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Western Illinois University from 2006-15 and later from 2023-25. Cumbie also worked as senior director of development at the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences for the University of Georgia from 2016-20 and as vice president of advancement for the College of Coastal Georgia from 2015-16.

Cumbie served as interim chief executive officer for the YMCA of McDonough County in 2021, leading the organization during a period of significant facility and financial challenges.

Cumbie served for 24 years in the US Army in a variety of assignments in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East culminating as chair of the Military Science Department at Western Illinois University from 2001 until his retirement in 2006.

"I am tremendously excited to be asked to serve in this role and look forward to a dynamic year in the Goldfarb Center," Cumbie said.

The inaugural season of the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts will begin this September, entitled "A Season of Joy," featuring performances from nationally recognized artists and entertainers. Subscriptions are now on sale at westernpresents.com. Individual tickets will go on sale in August.

The Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts is the first new state-funded academic building at WIU in more than 40 years. It offers 100,000 square feet of performance, rehearsal and teaching space, supporting academic programs in Theatre, Music and Dance. The state of Illinois has invested $119 million into building the center, providing the Western Illinois region with a first-class destination for arts and culture.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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