Michael Stewart announced incoming Director of the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands, Associate Director of Wind Studies, and WJ Julian Endowed Professor
A longtime mainstay in the School of Music will continue to add to his legacy in music education.
Michael Stewart, currently associate professor of music education and associate director of bands, arrived at the University of Tennessee campus in 2007. Since then, he has been a frequent face to the UT community, both with the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands, and as conductor of the UT Symphonic Band and University of Tennessee Pep Bands, and as a beloved instructor in the classroom. Effective July 1, 2022, he will become Director of the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Wind Studies. This position also holds the WJ Julian Endowed Professorship.
“I look forward to working with the amazing students of UT as well as the Pride alumni, my colleagues, and fans that so passionately support this band and the Vols,” Stewart said. “I’m also humbled, but excited to stand in front of this amazing group of students with 152 years of tradition behind them. I’m grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait for the fall to hear Rocky Top ringing throughout Neyland Stadium.”
“I am thrilled that Dr. Stewart will continue in our school and take on this new responsibility,” said Jeff Pappas, director of the School of Music. “His expertise and vision for the Pride of the Southland and other aspects of the band program are exceptional, and everyone looks forward to working with him to realize these goals. The future is as bright as ever for this important area in our unit and for our campus, alumni and friends.”
Stewart received his B.M, M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in music education from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.