Furman’s Randall Umstead named Top 30 Professional by Musical America

Furman University’s Randall Umstead, the Gordon and Sarah Herring Chair and professor of music, has been named among the 2025 Top 30 Professionals by Musical America Worldwide. The honor recognizes “the professionals who make the industry tick, but don’t get their names on the marquis,” according to the publication.

Umstead joined the Furman faculty in 2021 after serving 15 years on the faculty at Baylor University School of Music. Umstead, the incoming president of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, told Musical America, “My background as a performer has helped me empathize with both students and faculty colleagues. I learned as a performer to own my mistakes, and that quality is also essential in a leader.”