Alumni Spotlights

Altin Sencalar poses with his trombone

Altin Sencalar (B.M., Jazz Performance, 2017) receives positive review his new album, "Unleashed!"

May 13, 2025 | Downbeat Magazine

Sencalar's new album Unleashed! earned a four-star review in the June edition of Downbeat magazine.

Alan E. Hicks (D.M.A., Voice and Opera, 2009) named general and artistic director of Shreveport Opera

May 8, 2025 | Alan Hicks website

Hicks will step into the new role for the Shreveport Opera's 2025–26 season

Ruben Balboa (D.M.A., Music, 2020) appointed to Assistant Professor of Viola/Violin and String Music Education

May 2, 2025 | Wichita State University

Balboa will begin this tenure-track position at Wichita State University in the fall.

Martin McCain

Martin McCain (D.M.A., Brass, 2008) appointed as bass trombonist of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra

March 25, 2025
Zachary Buie

Zachary Buie (B.M., Music & Human Learning/Music Education, 2007) earns tenure, promotion to Associate Professor of Trumpet at Boise State University

March 24, 2025
Keith Clifton

Keith Clifton (B.M., Voice and Opera, 1990) elected President of the Midwest Chapter of the American Musicological Society

February 13, 2025
Dr. Michael Benson

Michael Benson (D.M.A., Piano, 2008) serves as executive director of the Richland Academy of the Arts

February 6, 2025 | Richland Source

Benson is the executive director of the Richland Academy of the Arts (RAA) in Mansfield, Ohio. Following a distinguished career in higher education, including teaching and administrative appointments, he retired as professor emeritus of music from Malone University in May 2023. Now focused on the RAA's mission to foster creative potential through artistic expression, Benson is leading a fundraising campaign for the organization, which serves approximately 1,900 students weekly across multiple arts disciplines in eight Ohio counties.