Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D.: Leading with Passion

Leadership isn’t just a position—it’s a commitment to uplift others, drive change, and leave a lasting legacy. Few embody this better than Dr. Denise Seachrist, a dynamic educator, administrator, and community leader whose career has been marked by scholarly achievement, impactful service, and a deep connection to her community.

 

As the dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State University at Stark and Salem, Dr. Seachrist has shaped the largest regional campus of Kent State and expanded opportunities for countless students. Prior to coming to Kent State Stark, she was the director of Kent State University’s Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, a position she held since 2008. She previously served as interim associate provost, interim dean for Academic and Student Services for the Regional Campuses, and interim assistant dean of Kent State University at Trumbull.

 

Dr. Seachrist assumed the role of interim dean at Kent State Stark in 2014. Two years later, she was officially named dean, a recognition of her transformative vision for higher education. In 2024, she also took on the leadership of the Salem campus, further solidifying her influence across the university’s regional campuses.

 

A specialist in the music of both historical and living German religious communities in Pennsylvania, Seachrist served as the president of the Communal Studies Association. She is a past member of the editorial advisory board of American Music (University of Illinois Press), the editorial board for a Pennsylvania-German History and Culture book series (Penn State Press), and the past series editor of the World Musics series (Kent State University Press). Seachrist is the author of Snow Hill: In the Shadows of the Ephrata Cloister (2010) and The Musical World of Halim ElG Press. Her academic pursuits reflect a passion for preserving and understanding the cultural and historical narratives that shape our world.

 

But Dr. Seachrist’s work doesn’t end within the university walls. She has been a pillar of the Stark County community, currently lending her expertise and energy to serving on the boards of the United Way of Greater Stark County and Women’s Impact, Inc. She previously served on the boards of the Canton Symphony, ArtsinStark, and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and she serves on the Executive Leadership Team of the Stark County Heart Walk campaign.

 

“Investing in the legacy of Women’s Impact was an easy decision for me,” Dr. Seachrist shared. “The foundation of the organization, which encourages members to ‘unleash their power to realize their full potential,’ resonates with my unwavering commitment to and, belief of, the transformational power of higher education.”

 

Seachrist, who lives in Jackson Township, received her Ph.D. in musicology-ethnomusicology from Kent State University and a master of music degree in vocal performance from Youngstown State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music from Heidelberg University.

 

When she’s not inspiring students or serving on various boards, Dr. Seachrist treasures her role as a wife, stepmother, and grandmother. She is married to Lee Lipp and is bonus mom to Patrick Wentz, Katie (Jimmy) Smith, Christopher (Alicia) Wentz, and Alex Lipp. She is grandma to Jameson, Lizzy, and Emilia Smith. Family is central to her life, and her personal and professional worlds intersect in her ongoing mission to create opportunities for future generations.

 

Dr. Denise A. Seachrist is more than a leader—she is a visionary dedicated to creating pathways for success. Whether mentoring students, serving her community, or advocating for the arts, her work serves as a reminder of what it means to lead with purpose and passion.

 

If you are thinking about leaving a legacy to Women’s Impact like Denise and the other legacy members, click here for more information.