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Jason Hawkins, associate professor of Music Education and assistant director of the School of Music.
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125 Anniversary Celebration: Jason Hawkins

June 30, 2025

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Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - Jason Hawkins, associate professor of Music Education and assistant director of the School of Music, describes Western Illinois University as a place that has been influential in his family for many years.

"When I think about WIU, I think about its roots as a teachers college and how that long legacy has affected my family in countless ways," Hawkins said.
"I was taught by two WIU Music alumni in high school who were very influential in my decision to choose WIU. My wife's father is a retired WIU Education professor and she also received an Elementary Education degree while we were here at WIU together. My brother attended WIU. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law both earned WIU degrees and have enjoyed long careers as WIU staff members. And, I'm proud that my own daughter will attend Western in the fall! We bleed purple and gold!"

Among the many positive adjectives that describe Leathernecks, Hawkins highlights one above all others: caring.

"To me, a Leatherneck is down-to-earth, helpful, friendly, kind and above all, caring," Hawkins said. "I chose WIU because when I visited as a high schooler, I instantly could tell the faculty cared about their students and I'm proud to carry on that tradition as a faculty member myself."

Hawkins' favorite Leatherneck memories are too many to list, but the truly significant ones revolve around his musical experiences as a student and as a faculty member.

"Whether it was my first halftime performance in the Marching Leathernecks as a freshman, singing in University Singers at the opening of the COFAC Recital Hall as a senior or my recent faculty tour of the construction site at the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, I have been extremely fortunate to make wonderful musical memories here at WIU and look forward to many many more," Hawkins said.

From student to faculty member, Hawkins mentions that WIU played a leading role in shaping the professional he is today.

"I wouldn't be the educator I am today without the preparation I received at WIU," Hawkins said. "I learned my craft well under the guidance of master teachers, but also gained practical experience that enabled me to be an effective high school teacher and eventually a college professor myself. Getting to come back to teach at your alma mater is a dream few are able to realize and I feel lucky every day to have that opportunity."

As students seek higher education, Hawkins strongly advocates for WIU and the opportunities the school offers.

"I tell most people, ‘I love WIU so much, I chose it twice (first as a student and then as a professor)!'" Hawkins said. "It truly is the 'goldilocks' of colleges, where students can enjoy big school resources with a small school personality, so take advantage of everything it has to offer!"

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about the WIU School of Music programs, visit wiu.edu/cofac/music/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing