Robert L Tucker
Dean, Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies Kelley College of BusinessEducation
- B.M, 1983, Hardin-Simmons University
- M.M., 1985, University of Cincinnati
- Ph.D., 2001, Texas Tech University
- M.B.A., 2013, Howard Payne University
- D.B.A., 2022, Grand Canyon University
Robert Lee Tucker has a Bachelor of Music from Hardin-Simmons University, a Master of Music from University of Cincinnati, a Doctor of Philosophy from Texas Tech University, and a Master of Business Administration from Howard Payne University. An original member of the Texas Baptist All-State Choir, many years later he had the fortune of directing the band for that organization. Prior to accepting the position of Director of Bands at Howard Payne University, Tucker taught horn and music education at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He then taught public schools in the award-winning Stanton Band program in Stanton, Texas. While at Hardin-Simmons as a student he played in the band, Cowboy Band, sang in the choir, performed with the Abilene Philharmonic and the college orchestra.
At Howard Payne University, after serving as Director of Bands, he became the Dean of Fine Arts where he completed 18 years before accepting the position as Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Hardin-Simmons University. His wide range of interests and experience has resulted in published articles, speaking engagements, published compositions, commissions, and opportunities for overseas travel and teaching. His recent book “Like a Crown: Adventures in Autism” is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble and discusses the joys and challenges of raising an autistic child. With over 200 compositions and arrangements to his name, he continues to compose, play jazz and rock piano, conduct, lead music theatre productions, play French Horn, and have speaking engagements on a wide variety of topics including autism, book collecting, church music, and history. He has performed with the Richmond Symphony, Cincinnati Chamber Symphony, El Paso Symphony, Midland-Odessa Symphony, San Angelo Symphony, Lake Charles Symphony, Rapides Symphony, and the Abilene Philharmonic. As a conductor, he has directed 15 Messiah performances, 10 musicals, and performed over 100 clinics in area schools and served as President of the Texas Association of Music Schools. He completed an MBA in 2013 and is now pursuing the Doctor of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University.
His wife Clairissa is retired and works part-time in student teacher supervision.