Jay Kenton joined the School of Music and Dance in 2018, with prior experience at the University of Oregon as a Manager of Student Services and with 10 prior years’ experience in higher education student services, recruitment, and upper administration. He also enjoys long-held connections to the Los Angeles entertainment industry, having come from a family of prolific musicians whose composing and performing talents can be heard on iconic film scores and jazz albums over the past 70 years. Himself an experienced studio singer, Jay has engaged in recording sessions on the sound stages of Sony, 20th Century Fox, and Paramount studios, as well as in performances with the Los Angeles Master Chorale at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.

At the School of Music and Dance, Jay’s role as Student Services Director focuses on assessing and enhancing student experience, coordinating professional development and co-curricular activities, and providing advising support for the Undergraduate Office. Jay holds a BA in French Language and Literature with a minor in Music from Westmont College, and an MA in Leadership Development from Azusa Pacific University.

He also has a passion for the outdoors, world travel, and cooking up all manners of global cuisine in his kitchen.