On Friday, Feb. 11, Franklin College celebrated vital members of the campus community – adjunct faculty – during a campus luncheon sponsored by the Franklin College Board of Trustees. While all members were honored, one was distinguished for demonstrating excellence to his students.

Eric DeForest, DMA, was recognized as the recipient of the 2022 Franklin College Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award. He serves the college as an assistant professor of music. DeForest received his bachelor’s degree in music from State University of New York, his master’s in music from West Virginia University and his doctorate in music from the University of Texas.

The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award is designed to honor a commendable faculty member who is not in a tenure-track position, has completed two or more semesters and has taught a minimum of 12 credit hours at Franklin College. In addition, the recipient should demonstrate excellence in mastery of subject, support of the college’s liberal arts mission, respect for all students, evidence of engaged learning and a general belief that all students can learn. The recipient should also be an effective communicator and provide helpful feedback to students. The award was established in 2012. The recipient receives a $250 cash award and has their photo displayed in Old Main.

One colleague praised DeForest, saying: “(He) is beloved by students and colleagues alike for his knowledge and work ethic, always demanding the most out of students, and garnering the respect and dedication that such a pedagogue should deserve. A master teacher, he is completely and utterly devoted to his students, the (music) department and the college.”

Another remark from a nominator stated, “He treats all students, majors and non-majors alike, as if they are the most important person. He is completely dedicated to the success of all students. Never has he complained about being overworked. On the contrary, he welcomes and seeks opportunities for himself and/or his students to serve our college community as well as the community-at-large.”

DeForest was praised for his clear and effective communication style, as well, and its effect on his students’ success. Last fall, seven of the 12 students he mentored placed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing State Competition, surpassing vocalists at much larger universities, including IU Jacobs School of Music, Butler, Ball State, Notre Dame, Indiana State and others.

DeForest, an adjunct faculty member at Franklin College since 2012, brings extensive experience as a trained opera singer who has performed nationally and internationally, including Austria, Germany and France. He is also a longtime, accomplished studio-voice teacher. He received training in vocal pedagogy with Celeste Emmons at SUNY Fredonia and with Darlene Wiley at UT Austin. He also has teaching experience in opera workshop, group voice class, lyric diction, vocal/choral literature and music history.

DeForest shares, “I have a real passion for the voice and the science of singing. It’s a thrill to work with singers and to help them on their journey of healthy singing of whatever genre of music they choose to pursue.”

In addition to his work at Franklin College, DeForest is a former member of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus and the Cincinnati Opera. He is currently the director of music at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Carmel, Indiana, where he directs the Chancel Choir and the Handbell Choir. He is also a member of the Franklin Symphonic Council and serves as their president of the board. DeForest is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Phi Mu Alpha (Professional Music Fraternity) and Pi Kappa Lambda (National Honors Fraternity).

DeForest resides in Franklin.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED Mar 9, 2022