Verne Edman Collins was born on April 9, 1935, and died on August 4, 2025. He was educated at Bowling Green University, Northwestern University, Eastman School of Music, and completed his doctorate at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Collins performed in various orchestras as a trombonist, including the Toledo and Milwaukee Symphonies, and the Boston Pops under the baton of Arthur Fiedler. In the jazz idiom, he performed with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra. He performed on tours in Europe, China and Japan. In Winchester, he led a swing band, “The Professors,” for several decades.

Dr. Collins joined the faculty of Shenandoah University in 1958 and was named Dean of the Conservatory in 1963 and in 1971, Dean of Shenandoah College and Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. During his term as Dean, Shenandoah was established as a four-year institution, regional accreditation was achieved, graduate programs were added, and the Business School was founded. He retired after 46 years of service.

A scholarship was established in Verne’s name at Shenandoah University. An endowed Professorship, named jointly with his wife, Charlotte, was created in 2009 by the Board of Trustees. The Collins Music Learning Suite for undergraduate and graduate music education was established in the Conservatory.

Dr. Collins was elected to several posts in the National Association of Schools of Music, including Chair of the Commission on Accreditation for Community and Junior Colleges.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Sharlene Collins, twin brother Merne, and sister Evron. Verne is survived by his wife of 68 years, Charlotte, children Beth Sharp (Louis), Christopher Collins (Therese), and Amy Ziehm (Stephen); and by five grandchildren Alyx Sharp, Vladislav Sharp, Noah Collins, Elijah Ziehm and Lily Ziehm.

A memorial service will be held October 11, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury Chapel, 300 Westminster Canterbury Drive, Winchester, VA 22603.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.