N. Lincoln Hanks Named Seaver College Divisional Dean of Fine Arts
N. Lincoln Hanks has been named the divisional dean of Seaver College’s Fine Arts Division. A professor of music, Hanks has served as a faculty member at Seaver College since 1998. He will begin his new role on August 1, 2025.
“I take up the mantle of divisional dean of fine arts with a humble heart and deep gratitude—both for my faculty, who have placed their confidence in me, and especially for our esteemed outgoing divisional dean of fine arts, Bradley Griffin, who has led our division with exceptional wisdom and servant leadership over these past several years,” says Hanks. “I love the arts, and I am inspired by our faculty and students who pursue the highest levels of craft and scholarship for the enrichment of our Pepperdine community and the world beyond. Building on the work and accomplishments of our previous divisional dean, I hope to lead us into a new chapter—one in which our arts programs discover fresh opportunities to thrive and flourish, continuing to enrich the lives of our students and all who experience what we create.”
Hanks has significant experience as an administrative leader at Seaver College. Throughout his time on campus, he has served as the president of the Seaver Faculty Association ( 2016–7) and the chair of both the Academic Integrity Committee (2003–05) and the Spiritual Life Committee (2006–07). Within the Fine Arts Division, Hanks has acted as the coordinator of music on three separate occasions (2013–16, 2018–19, and 2023–present), and he has supported Seaver College students by founding and directing the Pickford Ensemble, which trains the institution's most promising instrumental and vocal students in contemporary concert music.
Beyond these leadership roles, Hanks is an accomplished scholar, performer, and professor. While at Pepperdine, he has completed a total of 18 professional and academic commissioned musical compositions. Hanks has also participated in seven different conferences and symposiums as a featured composer. Most recently, he premiered music at the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society's Biennial Convention. Alongside these scholarly accomplishments, Hanks has been named both a fellow in fine arts and the Blanche E. Seaver Professor of Fine Arts—honors that serve as a testament to his skill as an educator.
“I am excited that Dr. Hanks has accepted this new leadership role as divisional dean of the Fine Arts Division,” says Lee Kats, interim dean of Seaver College. “Lincoln brings with him a long history of success as a teacher and scholar at Seaver College and has articulated a vision for the division that continues the legacy of excellence in the arts.”
Hanks will build off the strong foundation created by his predecessor, Bradley Griffin, who engendered a culture of excellence and enthusiasm during his tenure as divisional dean.
“Seaver College is so grateful for the leadership Dr. Griffin has provided the division these last seven years,” says Kats. “Brad has led with a constant eye toward academic excellence and has been an effective advocate for the division.”
In assuming this position of leadership, Hanks will continue to bolster the four disciplines of the Fine Arts Division—art history, art, theatre, and music. He specifically aspires to continue growing these individual programs and support the dynamic interests of students and faculty alike. In the process, Hanks aims to cultivate a collaborative educational environment—one that fosters open and organized discussions between colleagues and undergraduates.
Hanks holds a doctor of music and a master of music in composition from Indiana University Bloomington. He earned his bachelor's degree in piano performance from Lipscomb University.