Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Jordan VanHemert

Dr. VanHemert is a Korean American saxophonist and composer lauded for his skill as a modern jazz improviser. His discography includes the EP, Metamorphosis, and the albums Nomad and I Am Not A Virus.

He currently serves as Director of Jazz Studies at the Schwob School of Music. Prior to his appointment at Columbus State University, Dr. VanHemert served on the faculty of Hope College. He was also the Music Director and founder of the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to jazz advocacy, education, and performance.

Dr. VanHemert regularly works with music organizations to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including consulting for Hope College, PARMA Recordings, Vandoren USA, Conn Selmer, and the West Michigan Jazz Society. He also serves as a co-chair on the Columbus State University College of the Arts Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee and the North American Saxophone Alliance Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the GROW Diversity and Inclusion Award at Hope College, where he served as a faculty advisor to the college’s Asian Student Union.