New dean for the School of the Arts

by Ashley Smith

After a nationwide search, Samford welcomes Lance Beaumont as the new dean of the School of the Arts. Beaumont came to Samford in July from California Baptist University, where he served as professor of music, associate dean of program development and program director of commercial music. His teaching and administrative experience has included an emphasis on collaboration among the arts as well as cross-disciplinary initiatives, from partnerships with CBU’s School of Education to its Sports and Performance Psychology program.

Beaumont earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University and his Master of Music and Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance at Texas Christian

University. His love for the guitar, he says, started in the fourth grade. “I watched Eddie Van Halen play guitar on MTV. I was so blown away by what I heard that I knew I had to play guitar,” he said.

What excites you about becoming the dean of the School of the Arts?

I’m most excited about the people. The School of the Arts has an excellent faculty and staff that support student success in impressive ways. And ultimately, I’m really excited to see how our students will impact the world through the investment our faculty and staff make in them.

Why Samford?

I love Samford’s student-centered focus. The main reason I am involved in higher education is due to a faculty member in my undergraduate studies mentoring me. This interaction completely changed the trajectory of my life. I believe that type of faculty/student interaction is the heartbeat of Samford University.

What do you love about the arts?

Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Art has a way of realigning the soul toward its Creator like nothing else. I love how a beautiful melody or perfectly executed brush stroke can change my experience of the world instantly.

Why is an arts education important?

An artist typically sees the world as it should be, not as it is. Arts education helps us reframe our current experiences of life through the act of creation. Since I believe we are made in the image of God, the very act of creating is a way that we honor God and participate in the ministry of reconciliation.

How does your faith impact your teaching, leadership and artistry?

My faith is the essence of who I am. I want the expression of my faith in my teaching, leading, and artistry to be seamless, it is simply who I am.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Bridge City, Texas, which is on the coast and the border of Louisiana. To get in and out of town you have to cross a bridge, thus the name Bridge City.

Tell us about your immediate family.

My wife, Brandy, and I are high school sweethearts. We’ve been married for 25 years. Brandy is an educational therapist. We have three children: two daughters and a son. My oldest, Eme, is a student at Texas Christian University, studying political science and international relations. Kennedy, our second child, will be joining her big sister at TCU this fall to study business. Max, the baby of the family, will start high school at Briarwood Christian School this fall. ◗