Delta State University mourns the loss of Dr. Paul Hankins, former DSU Dean, Department Chair, and Professor, who passed away on March 23, 2025, at the age of 65. In honor of his memory, the University flag will fly at half-staff on Saturday, April 5, through sunset on Monday, April 7
Dr. Hankins was a gifted musician, a dedicated educator, and a thoughtful leader who left a lasting impact on Delta State. As a professor of trumpet and high brass, he guided countless students in their musical journeys, always balancing professionalism with warmth and humor. His leadership extended beyond the classroom, as he worked tirelessly to support faculty, advocate for the arts, and enrich the student experience.
Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Hankins played a pivotal role in the creation of the DSU Big Band Bash, an event that brought the joy of swing and jazz to the Delta community. His love for music, his students, and his colleagues was evident in every note he played and every decision he made. Even after leaving Delta State for new opportunities, his legacy continued to resonate with those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Dr. Hankins’ kindness, dedication, and passion for the arts will be deeply missed, but his influence will endure through the music and memories. Delta State is proud to honor his memory by lowering the University flag in tribute to his remarkable life and contributions.
His influence was deeply felt by colleagues and all those who knew him:
Dr. Mary Lynn Buchanan, DSU Professor Emeritus of Music: “Paul Hankins was the trumpet/high brass professor and one of my chairpersons during my tenure at Delta State. I could not have asked for a better colleague. He was always ready to listen to the needs of our Department of Music and acted on those needs as best he could. He was a cherished friend and loved interacting with the members of our department. We all enjoyed getting together once a month to celebrate those who had a birthday. Paul could always be counted on to add to the celebration with an interesting story or a funny quip about the “Birthday Person”. I will miss Paul, but I will treasure the memories of his loving spirit.”
Dr. Mark Butler, DSU Professor Emeritus of Music and Former Interim Chair of Music Department: “As I think of Paul Hankins at this sad time of his passing, several things come to mind that celebrate a life well-lived. Professionally, Paul was a dedicated administrator, an outstanding trumpet player, and insightful brass instructor, conducting himself with tact, courteousness, and bit of light-heartedness. As a person, Paul was a gentleman, always making an effort to ensure others felt comfortable, sporting a grin while engaging in a bit of casual conversation, regardless of the situation. Paul could chuckle at himself and appreciate a joke. He had a sense of equity and respect for others and their situations. These honorable qualities are not all that common. Paul’s light will be missed by many. RIP”
Dr. Shelley Collins, DSU Professor of Music: “Paul Hankins was a dedicated musician, both as a trumpet performer and teacher. As Department Chair and Dean, he was known for being fair, and for making decisions based on his thorough knowledge of University and Department policies. His professionalism was a model for us all. Outside of academia, he spent his summers on Flathead Lake in Montana. My husband and I enjoyed visiting him there on our trips to my home state, sharing our mutual connection to Montana. We will miss Paul’s dry sense of humor, his musicality, and his mentorship of his students. Our hearts go out to his family during this challenging time.”
Dr. Leslie Griffin, DSU Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost: “Paul was a thoughtful leader and professional–in the sense that he sought to understand the facets of an issue and make wise and strong decisions for those individuals and programs affected. From his skill as a musician and teacher to his progression in leadership–he set a classic example that will be remembered and honored by Delta State students and colleagues. His love for his family’s cherry orchards always came into the picture as well.”
Mr. Ron Koehler, DSU Chair Emeritus Department of Art and Professor Emeritus of Art: “I learned so much from Paul when we both served as chair of our departments. As Dean, he was always helpful and a wonderful person to work with. Paul was a dear friend that I will miss.”
Dr. Beverly Moon, DSU Dean Emeritus of Graduate/Continuing Studies and Research/Professor Emeritus of English: “Paul was a lovely colleague–thoughtful, deliberative, and always prepared–and he had a wicked sense of humor.”
Dr. Billy Moore, DSU Dean Emeritus, COBA and Professor Emeritus of Economics/Finance: “Paul and I had the privilege of serving together on the University’s Academic Council and Deans Council. During this time, he consistently demonstrated a commendable balance of approachability and proficiency. His collaborative spirit and contributions significantly enhanced the working atmosphere, making him an invaluable team member and a pleasure to work with.”
Mr. Jeff Slagell, Former DSU Dean of Library Services: “Paul was a detail-oriented administrator and faculty member that truly cared about student success. He also was a keen observer with a wry sense of humor that he shared with his colleagues and friends. Those that knew him well saw that under his professional persona, there was an unmistakable mischievous streak. He will be missed.”
Dr. Paul Starkey, DSU Chair Emeritus of the Division of Management, Marketing, and Business Administration and Professor Emeritus of Management: “Paul was professional in all he did. He had a passion for his work and his art. He loved playing music, regardless of the venue. He also was dedicated to the core of a solid Delta State education. He was a good friend, and I am saddened by his passing.”
Ms. Tricia Walker, DSU Director Emeritus/Professor of Practice Emeritus-Entertainment Industry Studies: “As Chair of the Music Department and Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Hankins was so helpful to me as the DMI was growing and establishing its degree program. He was an exceptional musician and a wonderful colleague. I’m very sad to learn of his passing, but grateful for all the good he contributed to Delta State.”
Mr. Rogers Varner, Member of DSU Jazz Band, Varner Brothers: “Paul Hankins was a close friend of mine while he lived in Cleveland. I met him when he walked in to the DSU jazz band first rehearsal of a fall semester, and said he was our new director. He was a classically trained trumpet player, but had a deep love and knowledge of swing, big band, and jazz. A fellow Texan (he was from El Paso, I was born in Houston), he was close enough to my age that we developed a friendship around music, bourbon, and sports.
“After one of the DSU jazz band performances at the Bologna Center, both of us saw that this was a really good band, and response from the public was overwhelmingly positive. An idea formed that this band, and this music, was too good to just play in front of an auditorium crowd, sitting still, row to row. He wanted a bona-fide, old-fashioned big band dinner dance, and we were willing to take some huge chances to get an event in front of the local public. The DSU Big Band Bash was born, and it was immediately a surprising success.
“Paul accepted the challenge of choosing a set list of songs, assigning solos, and preparing the band for the gig. We could both tell as time approached, there was an underlying excitement among the student musicians, and Paul stressed that this was a very real, professional event, and our reputation was on the line. He pressed the students hard in the final rehearsals, and for several years, he was an American swing band leader.
“The reception from the local patrons who came to the Big Band Bash was wonderful, and the students were so proud of their efforts and success. It was a repetitive money raiser, and Paul set up an account at DSU to deposit profits to use for sheet music, stands, instruments, and later on, scholarships.
“Following the event in the early years, we both had fatigue, relief, and a lot of satisfaction. Several locals always begged us to hold the event monthly, but we shied away from that due to work, stress and effort. After a few years as the band’s director, Paul was promoted to Chair of the Music Dept., and he brought in a director who was formerly educated and trained in jazz, Bret Pimentel, and the band carried on until the COVID years.
“Paul was a tournament golf player, loved his Texas roots, and visited family there as often as he could. I hated to see him leave for another promotion, this one at a university in Fort Smith. We stayed in touch, and I was stunned to learn of his sudden passing. He was very proud of what we achieved with the band, and loved his time in the Delta. He had retired and was working on a family orchard in Montana, when a heart attack occurred.
“I remember him playing the solo for ‘In the Mood,’ and the rush to the dance floor by our patrons. He loved it, and was a great model for the band. He did a lot of good here, and will be missed.”
If you would like to send condolences or share memories with Dr. Hankins’ family, please send them to music@deltastate.edu, and they will share with the family.
