Robert Pendergraft

Robert Pendergraft is an Associate Professor and the James and Lena Hagan Chair of Church Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB), where he has served since Fall 2016. He is also the Associate Pastor of Music Ministries at First Baptist Church of Salado.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, an M.M.E. from Samford University, and a B.M.E. from Samford University.

Dr. Pendergraft's research focuses on Intergenerational Worship, Worship with Varied-Abilities, and the History of Music and Worship in the Southern Baptist Convention. His work bridges academic scholarship with practical ministry, emphasizing inclusive and historically informed worship practices. He teaches courses such as Introduction to Church Music and Worship, History of Church Music, and Worship Design.

He is a recognized leader in denominational music ministry, having served as President of the Baptist Church Music Conference, a national organization for Baptist music educators and ministers.

His notable recognition includes:

• Calvin Institute for Christian Worship Teacher/Scholar Grant (2019)

Dr. Pendergraft is actively engaged in both academic and ecclesiastical communities, contributing to the advancement of church music education and worship leadership. There is no indication of grant funding beyond the named award, nor any mention of student advising or research publications in the provided text.