Iris Fordjour-Hankins

Board Secretary

Michigan-born soprano, Iris Fordjour-Hankins is a graduate of Oakwood University, Boston University and is in the final stages of doctoral work in voice at the University of Kentucky. Formerly, Iris taught music for the Detroit Public Schools but is now an assistant professor of voice at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. As a soprano soloist, it has been Iris’ privilege to sing in various operatic venues, concerts, oratorios, cantatas, churches and chorales. Her early voice studies were with Dr. Ricky Little, Dorothy Duensing and Dina Winter. And, after winning second place in the 2013 Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition at the University of Kentucky, the full-ride award has allowed her to study in the studios of Dr. Everett McCorvey and Dr. Angelique Clay-Everett. Iris is married to Ernest A. Hankins, III; their two children, Iman (18 yrs) and Ernest, IV (15 yrs) are the joy of her life.