Keith D. Herris, a native of Canton, Ohio, has recently been named Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bethel University. A member of the Bethel University faculty since 2006, he has served as Chair of the Division of Music & Religion for 13 years. Alongside his administrative leadership, Dr. Herris also served as Professor of Music, teaching courses in piano performance, music theory, and piano pedagogy.
Dr. Herris earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from Michigan State University, where he studied with internationally renowned pianist Panayis Lyras. He also holds a Master of Music in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Arts in piano performance and pedagogy from Goshen College. Dr. Herris recognizes the significant impact of his former teachers, including Jane Magrath and Marvin Blickenstaff.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Herris is an accomplished pianist and chamber musician. He serves as the Principal Pianist for the Jackson Symphony and has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. His accolades include top prizes in numerous piano competitions across Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma.
As a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Dr. Herris remains active in MTNA, Tennessee Music Teachers Association (TMTA), and Martin Area MTA. Through these associations, he has served as a frequent adjudicator for auditions and competitions throughout west Tennessee.
In addition to his work at the University and Jackson Symphony, Dr. Herris is a member of the McKenzie Rotary Club and serves as Music Director at McKenzie First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He lives in McKenzie with his wife, Melissa, and their three daughters.