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After nearly four decades at 91�ֿ�, Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D., is retiring from her role as dean and chief administrative officer of 91�ֿ� at Stark and 91�ֿ� at Salem. Her retirement on June 30, 2025, marks the conclusion of a career dedicated to education, community and the arts.

Reflecting on her time at 91�ֿ�, Seachrist said, “91�ֿ� has been more than a workplace — it’s been home. The people here have shaped my career, my life and my sense of purpose. I will always carry that with me.”

Since becoming interim dean at 91�ֿ� Stark in 2014 and officially taking on the role in 2016, Seachrist has helped guide the campus through growth, change and challenges. This academic year, she expanded her leadership by also taking on the role of dean at 91�ֿ� Salem.

“Dean Seachrist not only helped shape 91�ֿ� Stark — the largest of our Regional Campuses — but she also stepped in this past year to oversee 91�ֿ� Salem, further strengthening the Regional Campus System through her steady leadership and strong commitment to student success,” said Vice President for Regional Campuses Peggy Shadduck, Ph.D.

 
A career rooted in education and music

Seachrist is a proud product of the 91�ֿ� School of Music, earning her Ph.D. in musicology-ethnomusicology before going on to become the school’s director. Her career has spanned every level of academia — student, faculty member, administrator, and eventually, dean.

“If it hadn’t been for the education that I received at the School of Music, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she explained.

Her deep connection to music began early. She majored in vocal performance and minored in piano, growing up playing a 19th-century piano that took up an entire wall of her family’s Columbiana County home. That lifelong passion stayed with her, shaping her academic and professional work.

As an ethnomusicologist, Seachrist has conducted extensive research on the music of German religious communities in Pennsylvania, publishing multiple books and serving on editorial boards for national publications. Even as her career shifted into leadership roles, her love of music remained central to her identity.

That’s why she and her late husband, Charlie Wentz, established The Denise A. Seachrist and Charles P. Wentz Kent Blossom Music Festival Visiting Artist Series. The fund brings visiting artists to the Kent Blossom Music Festival for annual performances and master classes, ensuring that future generations of musicians continue to be inspired and mentored.

 
Leading through growth and change

Seachrist’s leadership at 91�ֿ� Stark, spanning a decade, focused on expanding access to education and student success. Under her guidance, the campus reached a historic milestone in 2017, enrolling more than 5,000 students for the first time.

“I wanted everyone to feel a part of that moment,” she said. “It takes every single person on this campus to make our students’ success possible.”

Beyond enrollment growth, she championed programs like College Credit Plus, which allows high school students to earn college credit, and the Rising Scholars program, designed to support first-generation students. She also helped create initiatives like Flash’s Food Pantry to provide students with essential resources.

“We don’t just educate students,” she said. “We support them in every way we can.”

During her tenure, 91�ֿ� Stark introduced new programs, such as Music Technology, while both the Stark and Salem campuses maintained strong academic offerings and student services to better meet the needs of their communities.

 
This year, 91�ֿ� Salem celebrated the completion of a long-anticipated headhouse facility, made possible through the generosity of Eugene and Betty Haupt. The interactive, 1,000-square-foot outdoor classroom is designed to enhance hands-on learning for horticulture students.

 
Before becoming a multi-campus dean, Seachrist served as director of the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music, where she made several significant contributions to 91�ֿ�. She launched the university’s first fully online graduate degree — a Master of Music in Music Education — which welcomed its first cohort in March 2010. Another major milestone under her leadership was raising $2.7 million to purchase 70 new pianos, leading to 91�ֿ� becoming the 150th institution worldwide to earn the prestigious All-Steinway School designation.

One of the most difficult challenges Seachrist faced during her 37-year career was leading 91�ֿ� Stark through the COVID-19 pandemic. She focused on keeping students on track while balancing financial decisions with the need to maintain academic programs and student services.

“It was one of the most challenging times in my career,” she acknowledged. “But it also showed me how resilient and dedicated this campus community is.”

 
Building campus and community connections

During Seachrist’s longstanding leadership at 91�ֿ� Stark, the campus marked its 75th anniversary in 2022, following a series of transformative changes that strengthened both its physical campus and its impact on the Stark County community.

Among her key accomplishments was the completion of the Science and Nursing Building, which became the campus’ seventh major facility and earned LEED® Gold Certification for its environmentally friendly design. This space united students and faculty across disciplines, supporting research and academic growth in biology, chemistry, nursing and physics.

Another significant project was the expansion and renovation of the Fine Arts Building, completed in 2018. The $9.7 million project provided state-of-the-art studio spaces, classrooms and performance areas. This positioned 91�ֿ� Stark as a regional leader in arts education, benefiting not only students but the broader community through partnerships with local arts organizations — most notably the Players Guild Theatre, now housed in the building.

 
Seachrist also championed the revitalization of the Learning Resource Center, ensuring it became a dynamic hub for student success. The facility now includes a 3D printing lab, a veterans’ commons and additional resources for students including those attending co-located Stark State College.

In 2023, Seachrist oversaw the renovation of the Stark Campus garden and gazebo area outside Main Hall, transforming it into a welcoming space for reflection and connection. That same year, in collaboration with Stark Parks, a 1.4-mile concrete limestone trail was completed through the 91�ֿ� Stark and Stark State College campuses, linking to the Hoover Trail and expanding the county’s trail network.

 
Seachrist’s commitment to such community partnerships has made a significant impact. During her time, the campus became a hub for community engagement, hosting numerous events and partnering with local organizations. Highlights include the Featured Speakers Series, which brought nationally recognized voices to Stark County, as well as the Stark County Heart Walk, Girls on the Run 5K, The Canton Repository’s Regional Spelling Bee and the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic, held on the campus grounds.

She currently serves on the boards of United Way of Greater Stark County and Women’s Impact, Inc. Over the years, she has also contributed her leadership to organizations, such as the Canton Symphony, ArtsinStark, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Leadership Team of the Stark County Heart Walk campaign.

 
Leaving a legacy and looking ahead

Even as she prepares for retirement, Seachrist is ensuring her legacy continues. She has established a planned gift, The Denise A. Seachrist and Charles P. Wentz Endowed Scholarship at 91�ֿ� Stark, to support future students.

While her professional career has been deeply fulfilling, Seachrist is also looking forward to spending more time with her family. She treasures her role as a wife, stepmother and grandmother. She is married to Lee Lipp and is a bonus mom to Patrick Wentz, Katie (Jimmy) Smith, Christopher (Alicia) Wentz and Alex Lipp. She is also a proud grandma to Jameson, Lizzy and Emilia Smith.

 
“Family is everything to me,” she said. “I have spent my career helping students find their path, and now I get to be more present for my own family’s journeys.”

 
‘The transformational power of education’

As she steps away from her role, Seachrist looks forward to pursuing new opportunities, though she expects to remain connected to education and the arts.

“I don’t see myself slowing down completely,” she said. “I’ll always be passionate about learning, teaching and supporting students in any way I can.”

Her final message to students, faculty and staff? 

“Keep dreaming big. Keep working hard. And never forget the transformational power of education.” - Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D.

As she moves into retirement, Seachrist leaves behind a career defined by education, leadership and community. Her work has helped shape 91�ֿ�’s Regional Campuses, and the impact of her efforts will carry on through the students, faculty and programs she helped support along the way.

“It is hard to sum up such a meaningful career of stewardship, scholarship and dedication,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., “but perhaps what matters most is that she brought her best to 91�ֿ�, and made us better, for 37 years.”