Dr. Don Hedges has joined The Master’s University faculty as the next dean of the Paul T. Plew School of Music.
Hedges comes to TMU from Trinity International University, where he has been on faculty since 1999. He has taught courses in and chaired the music department there, and most recently he served as the interim dean of the institution’s college and graduate school. He earned his Master of Music and his Doctor of Philosophy from Indiana University.
Hedges knows he has large shoes to fill. Dr. Paul Plew led TMU’s music department for 43 years before retiring this summer. But if you ask Plew, Hedges is the perfect man for the job.
“When I was interviewing him, it was like I was talking to myself,” Plew says. “There were so many similarities of direction, as well as philosophy of music, ministry and worship, that I just thought, ‘Wow, this is certainly a man of God’s choice for this time.’”
Hedges is acclimating to his new digs on North Campus, home of the Music Center and the Paul T. Plew School of Music.
Dr. Mitch Hopewell, TMU’s provost and chief academic officer, believes that Hedges’ background and character make him an ideal fit for this role:
“Dr. Hedges not only brings tremendous experience in the field of music, but he has a heart to disciple students, understands our unique mission, fits with our relational approach to education, and most importantly, holds a theological conviction viewing music as a venue for accurate, biblically driven worship of our great King.”
These qualities make Hedges equal to the challenge of leading the School of Music – which is no small task, considering that it operates at a very high level (being accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music) and features a wide variety of programs and ensembles.
“Leading an academic school requires a long list of qualifications and characteristics,” Hopewell says, “but TMU was looking for a leader who shared our biblical convictions first, could honor the legacy of Dr. Plew, have a heart for students, bring excellence in the discipline of music, and lead the music faculty in the coming years.”
Hedges is “delighted” as he anticipates his arrival at TMU and the beginning of a new chapter this summer.
“It feels like I’ll be coming home in a sense – back to teaching music subjects and helping facilitate musical performances,” he says. “Building on the excellent foundation laid by the School of Music’s faculty, I trust that God will use me to help write the next chapter in music at TMU. Together we’ll endeavor to ‘make His praise glorious.’”
To learn more about TMU’s School of Music, see this page.
