Hannibal-LaGrange University is pleased to announce Kendra Franks as a new assistant professor of music. She will begin teaching vocal music courses and directing choral ensembles for the University in the fall.
“We are so encouraged to have Mrs. Franks join our fine arts department,” said HLGU President Dr. Anthony Allen. “She is finishing her doctoral work, and her extensive experience and technical expertise will be an asset to our institution.”
Mrs. Franks has most recently been a graduate assistant at the University of Missouri-Columbia where she is completing her PhD in Music Education. She has also completed all of her doctoral work and is in the final stages of her dissertation. She is expected to graduate in July.
Mrs. Franks brings experience in K-12 music education, secondary choral programs, director of choral ensembles, and college classes. She conducted the University Singers, an elite choral ensemble at the University of Missouri. Her graduate coursework included vocal pedagogy, choral methods, and conducting. She is a member of the College Music Society, the National Association of Music Educators, and the Missouri Music Educators Association.
“HLGU is dedicated to preparing future music educators, and Mrs. Franks has much experience in this field,” said HLGU vice president for academic administration Dr. Larinee Dennis. “I am confident she will provide rigorous instructions an develop excellent musicianship in our students. She is a very talented vocalist and pianist and we look forward to her joining the music department.”
Prior to her time at the University of Missouri, Mrs. Franks was an Assistant Professor of Music at college of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri.
She is married to Neil Franks, who is the president of the Missouri Baptist Foundation, and has two sons, Nathan and Travis.