Trevecca Nazarene University has announced the appointment of Craig Adams as interim dean of the School of Music and Worship Arts, effective July 1.
Adams currently serves as executive director of Trevecca’s Center for Commercial Music and brings more than 30 years of music industry, worship leadership and higher education experience to the role. He will succeed Dr. Vernon Whaley, who is retiring after serving as dean for the past several years.
A Trevecca alumnus, Adams holds both a Bachelor of Science in music business and a Master of Arts in worship and leadership from the University. His work at Trevecca has included classroom instruction in songwriting, audio production, worship leadership and commercial music, as well as the coordination of several annual live events on campus.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been appointed dean of the School of Music and Worship Arts at Trevecca Nazarene University,” Adams said. “I am grateful to Dr. Tom Middendorf, Dr. Jonathan Bartling and Dr. Dan Boone for entrusting me with this responsibility.”
A Dove Award-winning producer, published songwriter, arranger and author, Adams has contributed to more than 5,000 professional recordings throughout his career. Before joining Trevecca, he served at LifeWay from 2007-2021, where he created or collaborated on thousands of Christian music products and worship resources.
In 2021, Adams was selected to lead Trevecca’s newly established Center for Commercial Music, helping strengthen connections between students and the music industry while expanding hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring artists, producers and worship leaders.
Adams will serve as interim dean while completing doctoral studies, with plans to transition into the permanent role upon earning his doctorate.