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, and administratively as a certified nonprofit professional. Hawkins is also a published author and reviewer who has a passion for teaching that continues to be cultivated through the support of many mentors with whom he has had the privilege of studying. He finds great inspiration through collaborations with guest artists, composers, educators, and students.

Since joining the faculty of Middle Tennessee State University, Hawkins has completed training for both the Safe Zone Program and Mental Health First Aid USA. Hawkins is a member of the graduate faculty and is the faculty-in-residence advisor for the Music@Middle living-learning community on campus. He currently serves as the university representative on the executive committee for the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association and as a member of the higer education steering committee for the Tennessee Music Education Association.

In addition to numerous professional and honor organizations, Dennis Hawkins is a proud brother of both the Kappa Alpha and Alpha Alpha chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Delta Eta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.