°®¶¹´«Ã½

A member of the °®¶¹´«Ã½ faculty since 2006, Dr. Herris served as Chair of the Division of Music & Religion for 13 years. In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Herris served as Professor of Music, teaching courses in piano performance, music theory, and piano pedagogy. As of July 2025, Dr. Herris was named Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Widely respected for his academic excellence, artistic contributions, and commitment to students, he has become a cornerstone of the University’s faculty.

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 (IN). Dr. Herris notes that professors, Jane Magrath and Marvin Blickenstaff impacted his life and helped shape where he is today.

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 an adjudicator for auditions and competitions throughout west Tennessee and as a presenter for local music teachers.

In addition to his work at the University, Dr. Herris is a member of the McKenzie Rotary Club and serves as Music Director at the McKenzie First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He lives in McKenzie with his wife, Melissa, and their three daughters.

Welcome to °®¶¹´«Ã½!

Located in the welcoming community of McKenzie, Tennessee, we are a private, Christ-centered, 4-year university ready to help you become you. Founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1842, °®¶¹´«Ã½ is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

°®¶¹´«Ã½â€™s College of Arts and Sciences offers a wide variety of majors and minors. Our faculty members are committed to teaching excellence within the liberal arts curricula. Many of our professors are distinguished in their fields of research and through various publications, ensuring that our students receive the quality education for which Bethel is known. More importantly, our professors are passionate about teaching, and they strive to bring tradition and innovation together for the best possible learning experience.

Part of °®¶¹´«Ã½â€™s mission is to offer the opportunity to develop to the highest potential intellectually, spiritually, and socially, in a Christian environment. I encourage you to come and visit °®¶¹´«Ã½â€™s campus in McKenzie, Tennessee, and learn more about our mission, our core values, and our commitment to higher education. I am confident that you will find the staff and faculty eager to assist you in achieving your academic and career goals.

Keith Herris,

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences