WILLIAM KENNEDY, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, joined the faculty at Florida State University in 1978. He is a member of the FSU Faculty Jazz Quartet and teaches jazz saxophone, jazz improvisation, jazz ensemble techniques, jazz combo, and is an academic advisor for jazz studies students.

Professor Kennedy is a past-president and secretary of the Florida Unit of the International Association of Jazz Educators. He has been featured nationally and internationally as a clinician and soloist. He was a member of the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Gunther Schuller and featured on radio broadcasts of National Public Radio and Live in the Sky Jazz Festivals throughout Japan. He has appeared at jazz festivals in the United States and International jazz festivals in Holland, Switzerland, Germany, France, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Professor Kennedy received his baccalaureate degree in applied music and music education from Western Michigan University and his master's degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music.