Dennis A. Hawkins, Jr. has facilitated performances on the podium as a conductor, in ensembles as a trumpet player, in lecture-based courses as an instructor, administratively as a certified nonprofit professional, and in print as a published author and reviewer. Hawkins has a passion for teaching that continues to be cultivated through the support of many mentors with whom he has had the privilege of studying. He finds great inspiration through collaborations with guest artists, composers, educators, and students.

Since joining the faculty of Middle Tennessee State University, Hawkins has completed training for both the Safe Zone Program and Mental Health First Aid USA, additionally serving as a member of the graduate faculty. Hawkins' research and reviews have been published by the International Women's Brass Conference and Music City Review. A recent commissioning project with The Paper Days, a contemporary folk band based in the Twin Cities, resulted in the creation of a piece for contemporary folk band and wind band. This three-movement work attempts to prove that the unique characteristics of a contemporary folk band and the strengths of a wind band do not have to exist exclusive of one another. Previous engagements include serving in varying capacities with the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, University of Nevada, University of Minnesota, The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own", Metro Brass, Minnesota Chorale, St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra, Medalist Concert Band, Dana Faculty Brass Quintet, Brevard Music Center, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Western Reserve, American Wind Symphony, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, and the Youngstown State University Foundation.

Hawkins holds memberships with the American Composers Forum, College Band Directors National Association, International Trumpet Guild, League of American Orchestras, Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, National Band Association, and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Dennis Hawkins is a proud brother of both the Kappa Alpha and Alpha Alpha chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Delta Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Hawkins has served as co-advisor for the Omicron Tau chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfornia at Middle Tennessee State University. 

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