FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The University of Saint Francis has hired Erskine Hawkins as an adjunct faculty member in its Music Technology program.
Erskine Hawkins has spent years working and touring with a broad range of national artists around the globe as a music director, keyboardist and producer. As a graduate of the prestigious music program at the University of North Texas and the only African-American graduate to earn an undergraduate degree in Jazz Piano (minor in music theory), Hawkins proves to be one of the most skilled and sought after keyboardists in the industry today.
Working as the music director for R&B star Chrisette Michelle while also working with Disney and pop princess Zendaya, Hawkins has shown that he is no stranger to versatility amongst genres. He also served as one of the music directors in the music ministry at The Potter’s House, led by legendary Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Hawkins toured as a keyboardist with Rihanna, Eminem, Kenny ”Babyface” Edmonds, Jessie J and Eric Benet. He also arranged for Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj and ABC’s Boyband. He charted, scored and arranged music for such artists as Justin Timberlake and Nicki Minaj, and several award shows including the American Music Awards, TV Land Awards, Soul Train Awards and BET Music Awards.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the School of Health Sciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership and School of Creative Arts. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. In 2016, the University of Saint Francis expanded its presence to downtown Fort Wayne. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis campus experience includes 16 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships, and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,300 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.