The first thing Department of Music chair Dr. Kevin Hampton does in the morning is brew a warm cup of coffee, perhaps accompanied by a second, third or fourth as the day continues.

Hampton has served as chair of Southeast Missouri State University's music department since the fall of 2013. Since being hired, he has made an impression on his colleagues and students by being an empathetic and decisive leader. Hampton has experience and knowledge of numerous cultures outside of America because of his world travels -- experiences that have influenced his musicianship and leadership tactics.

Hampton's first time out of the country was after his high school graduation. He traveled to Scandinavia as a participant in a program called Americans Abroad, an opportunity given to students to engage in a summer social exchange in a foreign country. Hampton was placed with a family in Scandinavia to live for an entire summer, and he acknowledged there were challenges with the differences in culture and language.

"It was absolutely a fantastic experience, and really began my love affair with traveling," Hampton said. "It was my first time dealing with a language that I didn't speak and living with a family who didn't speak English."

After realizing his interest in foreign cultures, Hampton later studied piano and harpsichord as a postgraduate student in France at the Conservatoire de Toulouse, an experience made possible by a scholarship he earned that covered his full tuition, travel and living expenses. Hampton said that his level of study was labeled in France as "perfecter de vos études," or in English, "the perfecter of one's studies," meaning that the student has to demonstrate a complete mastery of his or her craft.

Hampton lived in France for a year and learned how to speak conversational French. He described his time in France as a rewarding experience because it helped him not only develop his craft as a musician, but it was distinctly in contrast to studying music in America.

"It was very different because there was only one lesson a month, so I was expected to work on my own," Hampton said. "Seven of us were in the course, and we had to prepare our own recital to give as a final exam at the Musée des Augustins, or in English, Museum of the Augustins, located in Toulouse. But my most memorable performance during my time in France was given at the Niel Palace [in Toulouse], where I shared the stage with the string quartet of the Toulouse Orchestra. It was the first time in many years that the palace was open to the public, so it was an extraordinary experience to play that recital."

Despite having the talent to be a worldwide performer, Hampton always wanted to teach rather than have a performing career.

"I wanted to be a teacher, but I always felt that in order for me to teach something, I had to be able to play it," Hampton said.

One of his students is Connor Joyce, a senior piano performance major at Southeast who has studied piano with Hampton since his enrollment last school year. Joyce said that Hampton's musical ear is striking and inspiring, and also spoke highly of Hampton's good rapport with the students in the music department.

"Dr. Hampton pays special attention to detail and has exquisite taste," Joyce said. "His ability to get students to think critically about music is inspirational and makes me want to be a better musician. He ultimately always has a student's best interest in mind. Every time he sees a music student who wants to talk, despite how busy and packed his schedule is, he'll always take the time to speak with or encourage him."

On a professional level, Hampton maintains the same level of reverence from his fellow colleagues. The administrative assistant of Southeast's music department, Beverly Delph, works closely with Hampton on a regular basis and complimented Hampton's thoroughness and clarity.

"One thing I've noticed about Dr. Hampton is he has solid facts and clear reason for any decision he makes," Delph said. "He is extremely precautionary and plans thoroughly for contingencies. He's prepared for the outcome of any situation."

When Hampton has down time from teaching and his responsibilities as chair of Southeast's music department he enjoys hiking and camping and has done both in Alaska, furthering his love and appreciation of travel. Other than France, Hampton has also traveled to Mexico, Turkey and the ancient Mayan ruins.

"I really wish every college student would take advantage of any opportunity they may have to study abroad," Hampton said. "What you will learn is so much more than what you'll find in books or online in a virtual world. You get to interact with people, see people and view things from their perspective. It has definitely made my life richer and fuller."