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.

In addition to serving as the faculty-in-residence for the Music@Middle living-learning community at MTSU, Hawkins is a Safe Space Ally and Mental Health First Aid USA participant.