Dr. Keith D. Herris serves as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bethel University, where he has been a member of the faculty since 2006. Prior to and alongside his administrative leadership, he served for 13 years as Chair of the Division of Music & Religion and as Professor of Music, teaching piano performance, music theory, and piano pedagogy.
A native of Canton, Ohio, Dr. Herris holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from Michigan State University, where he studied with internationally renowned pianist Panayis Lyras. He earned 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. He is deeply grateful for the influence of his teachers, including Jane Magrath and Marvin Blickenstaff, whose mentorship has shaped his career as a performer and educator.
An accomplished pianist and chamber musician, Dr. Herris serves as Principal Pianist for the Jackson Symphony and has performed in distinguished venues, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. His accomplishments include top prizes in numerous piano competitions throughout Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma.
Dr. Herris is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and remains actively involved in MTNA, the Tennessee Music Teachers Association, and the Martin Area Music Teachers Association. He has served frequently as an adjudicator for auditions and competitions throughout West Tennessee.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Dr. Herris is actively engaged in his community and is a member of the McKenzie Rotary Club. He lives in McKenzie, Tennessee, with his wife, Melissa, and their three daughters.