Johnie Dean

Johnie Dean serves as Associate Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and a Part-Time Lecturer of Composition at Asbury University. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Music from Southern Seminary, and a Bachelor of Music from Campbellsville College. His professional roles include SACSCOC Institutional Liaison and composer-in-residence for various music programs.

Dean’s research focuses on choral and orchestral composition, with a specialization in spiritual music arrangements, operatic outreach, and educational theater scores. He has created over 200 published works across choral anthems, handbell music, and orchestral pieces. Notable projects include commissions for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, South African choral festivals, and the Muhlenberg County Arts Program.

His recent compositions emphasize cross-genre collaborations, such as jazz-sacred fusion with the Barcelona Jazz Orchestra and children’s musicals like Tooth Tales. Dean’s works have been featured in international events like the Alltech World Equestrian Games and televised productions including WKYT’s Kentucky Christmas Chorus.

His awards include recognition through festival selections (e.g., Texas/Florida All-State Choruses) and commissions from prestigious institutions. Dean’s creative output spans film scores, documentary music, and community-based projects aimed at bridging music with education and cultural preservation.