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Kevin Sanders

Academic Dean | Artist | Coach | Busy Dad

ICF Associate Certified Coach Badge
ICF Membership Badge
APB Speakers Bureau
iPEC Certified Professional Coach Certification

5 Points on What I'm Doing Now

  1. ​Leading a large, comprehensive School of Music at the University of Memphis. I oversee the administrative and academic functions of a program with over 80 faculty and staff, 400+ students, and the production of 300 events per year for the campus and community.
     

  2. Coaching leaders and high-performers. I learned long ago that the subject that excites me the most is the development of people. Since then, I've become an ICF-certified coach, launched my coaching practice, and focused my energies on how to help those around me best. 
     

  3. Moving to Waco, Texas. In July 2024, I'll start a new position as dean of the School of Music at Baylor University. My family and I are very excited about meeting new people and the opportunities ahead.
     

  4. Building the Ultimate Musician's League. UML is a community-powered web-based platform that gamifies the assessment and progress of a musician's development. It's one of the most fun ways I've seen for musicians to collaborate and grow together.
     

  5. Writing my newsletter. I focus on actionable tips and practices for new leaders in higher education that help develop strong management skills, healthy work culture, and collaborative and innovative teams.

5 Points on What I've Done

  1. Worked closely with world-class performers across the globe. I have performed with some of the world's finest professional orchestras and taught masterclasses on five continents. I've been fortunate to observe and work with distinguished artists who apply Olympic-level standards to their craft and everyday life. 
     

  2. Led transformational change within an organization. While at the University of Memphis, I:

    • Led the School of Music through the planning, construction, and opening of a new $40M performing arts center.

    • Modernized how we train students for professional careers.

    • Substantially increased the diversity of faculty and staff with over 50 hires.

    • Raised over $2.5M in philanthropic funds.

    • Established international partnerships.

    • Substantially increased our community engagement through programs and partnerships.

    • Oversaw the highest applications and enrollment in the school's history.
       

  3. Studied the performing arts and leadership extensively.  I've served in leadership roles for 10+ years, earned degrees from the Juilliard School, Indiana University, and Michigan State University, as well as professional development and certifications from Cornell University and Harvard University. I'm an ICF-certified team and executive coach.
     

  4. Public speaking. I speak on topics about leadership development and how the arts teach us to embrace change, imperfections, and become better team players. APB Speakers represents me.
     

  5. Wrote a method book for young musicians. The Hollywood Warm-Up takes students through their daily musical fundamentals accompanied by a cinematic soundtrack of originally composed movie music. It's a fun way to get through your daily routine and has been sold across the United States, Europe, and China.

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