Grambling State News

GSU Professor & Asst. Director to Lead During Transition & Search

GRAMBLING, LA — May 09, 2018 –  Today Grambling State University, home of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, announced that Dr. Edwin Thomas and Dr. Nikole Roebuck will now lead the Tiger Marching Band and Department of Music, respectively.

Dr. Thomas and Dr. Roebuck will follow Dr. Larry J. Pannell as interim leadership. Dr. Pannell will retire on June 30, 2018, after 26 years of service to the University and band.

“Our band is one of the many iconic student groups that helps make our school and brand great,” said President Rick Gallot. “That greatness is only possible with committed leadership.”

Dr. Thomas is an alumnus of Grambling State University, who also received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the American Conservatory of Music, has taught for more than 30 years in addition to his work with the band. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Grambling State in 1978 and was an active member of the band as an undergraduate student. He will continue as an Associate Professor of Engineering Technology in addition to his responsibilities as Interim Head Band Director. Outside of his work with Grambling State, Thomas has served as an expert consultant on home and plant design throughout Louisiana. He is also volunteer advisor for the Louisiana State Department of Economic Development.

Dr. Roebuck is an alumna of Grambling State who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education in 2001 and she is also a former student member of the Tiger Marching Band. Roebuck has taught at the University for more than 11 years and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Assistant Band Director. She will continue in both roles while serving as Interim Head of the Department of Music.

Dr. Roebuck is the first female director of the Grambling State Marching Tiger Band. Her experience outside of GSU includes serving as clinician for regional all city honor bands and national acknowledgement for her research of collegiate band directors and the effects of sound pressure exposure.

“We are fortunate to have a team of great leaders across our university,” said President Gallot. “We are grateful to Dr. Thomas and Dr. Roebuck for their continuing contributions to Grambling State.”

The University will launch a national search for both Head Band Director and Head of the Department of Music later this year.