A Message From the Dean

Each year, as the stories for Noteworthy come together, a unifying theme begins to emerge. In our 2025 edition, that theme was growth and momentum. We had just become a named college, launched new degree programs and partnerships, and experienced unprecedented increases in applications and enrollment. 

The 2026 edition reflects a natural evolution of that momentum. The stories you’ll read here center on two defining ideas: excellence and ambition. 

When we transitioned from a School of Music to a College of Music, we were challenged to articulate not only what we had achieved, but what we aspired to become. What does it mean to be the first standalone College of Music in the state of Tennessee and the Southeastern Conference? What responsibility comes with offering education in music within an R1 research institution? Our answer has been clear: a commitment to excellence, relevance, and bold innovation. The stories in this edition illustrate that commitment in action. From the Wind Ensemble making university history with its invitation to perform at the College Band Directors National Association Conference, to alumni earning prestigious national recognition, to Grammy Award–winning artists engaging our students through the Natalie L. Haslam Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series, our college continues to elevate its profile while inspiring those we serve. 

The achievements highlighted in this edition reflect more than individual success; they represent a community united by a belief in excellence. Our alumni, donors, and campus partners play an essential role in shaping this work, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support. Together, we are building a College of Music that will become known for relevance and innovation in all we do, incorporating past and strong musical traditions, while keeping an eye on the future.  

With heartfelt gratitude,   

Jeffrey Pappas 

Founding Dean, Natalie L. Haslam College of Music