Education:
CAGS, Messiah University (Mechanicsburg, PA); M.Sc., Northeastern University (Boston, MA); B.Mus., Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH); Diploma with Honors, Liberty High School (Liberty Twp., OH).
Background:
Wayne Magee is a dynamic higher education administrator, educator and conductor whose career spans leadership development, student affairs and music education. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Affairs and Residential Life at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he has been a cornerstone of the student affairs department since 2008. His portfolio includes overseeing student conduct,leadership development, advising student organizations, and managing crisis response and residential operations. Additionally, he serves as Director of Bands, Honor Guard and Drill Team,the organization better known as the "Pride of the Regiment" under his stewardship has garnered national acclaim performing annually in Boston, New York City and Washington D.C. coupled with numerous invitations to perform internationally.
Wayne Magee’s academic credentials include a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Wind Band Conducting from Messiah University, a Master of Science in Leadership from Northeastern University, and a Bachelor of Music, cum laude, from Youngstown State University. His education has been enriched through mentorship by esteemed conductors and musicians, and he continues to inspire students through his role as a senior lecturer at Bridgewater State University, teaching courses in Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management.
An accomplished author, Wayne wrote Tough Blows: A Life Journey Defying the Odds and has published several articles in respected academic and music education journals. He is a frequent guest conductor and presenter, with appearances at institutions such as Yale University and professional conferences like the College Band Directors National Association Eastern Division Conference.
Beyond academia, Wayne is the founder of WDM 4:13 Company, where he works as a speaker and coach, focusing on leadership and resilience. His media presence includes features in podcasts, university news outlets, and national publications. He holds multiple professional certifications and remains actively involved in associations including the National Band Association and the College Band Directors National Association.
Wayne Magee’s career exemplifies a commitment to service, leadership, and excellence, making a profound impact on students, colleagues, and the broader educational and musical communities.
For more information about Wayne please see his website at : www.toughblows.com
Jim McKenna is the newly appointed Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Since earning his Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, Jim has served in a variety of academic and federal agency positions. Academic appointments include Assistant Professor of Geosciences at Williams College where he taught and served as Associate Director for the Williams College-Mystic Seaport Maritime Studies Program; Professor of Marine Biology and Chair of the Ocean Studies department at Maine Maritime Academy; and Associate Dean for the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics at Bridgewater State University. Jim’s agency work includes serving as a National Park Service Research Learning Center coordinator in Acadia National Park and as Associate Director of Research for the Maine Sea Grant Program. Jim’s interest in the marine world extends into his personal life; he is a passionate sailor and enjoys vacationing with his wife and two children along the coast of Maine and Cape Cod.
