Bethel’s Dr. Keith Herris Joins Executive Leadership Institute

Bethel University’s Dr. Keith Herris, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is a member of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) 2025-26 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) cohort. Dr. Herris joins 23 accomplished senior leaders from private and independent colleges across the state, including Vanderbilt University, Union University, Freed-Hardeman University and Belmont University.

Herris was selected this year as the dean. A member of the Bethel University faculty since 2006, he has served as chair of the Division of Music & Religion for 13 years. In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Herris is a professor of Music, teaching courses in piano performance, music theory, and piano pedagogy. Widely respected for his academic excellence, artistic contributions, and commitment to students, he has become a cornerstone of the University’s faculty.ELI participants, known as Pressnell Fellows, are selected by their institution’s president to participate and learn from national, regional and state educators for the nine-month program. Now in its ninth year, this program is recognized for its role in developing the next generation of higher education executives.

“The Executive Leadership Institute remains the most transformative professional development experience TICUA offers Tennessee higher education,” said TICUA President Dr. Cameron Conn. “Each year, it cultivates thoughtful, mission-driven leaders... I’m thrilled to welcome this new class of Fellows as they begin a year of growth, collaboration, and discovery.”

ELI provides campus officials with opportunities to enhance their leadership knowledge and skills in the specific context of private higher education, develop knowledge and skills needed to respond to uncertainty, prepare for unique opportunities and challenges facing the leadership of private higher education institutions and more. It also helps Fellows assess their leadership styles and determine areas of potential growth.

The institute holds monthly two-day sessions at select TICUA member campuses. Sessions begin in September and end in May with a graduation ceremony.