A letter from Dr. Jeremy Stovall, New Director of Bands at Jax State

11/16/2025

Dear Marching Southerners Family,

I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to step into the role of Director of Bands at Jax State. I am still in shock that the dream I had as a college student is coming true. I am grateful to Dr. Killingsworth, Dr. Baptiste, Dr. Lindblom, Dr. Shelton, and the Jax State administration for believing in me and entrusting me with this responsibility.

Additionally, I am certain I wouldn’t be in the position to walk into this next chapter if it were not for Dr. Ken Bodiford. Immediately after I completed my master’s program here at Jax State, he offered me my dream job and has mentored me for the past 21 years. I am grateful for him and for the program he has built over an incredible 32-year career as Director of Bands. His legacy is undeniable, and I endeavor to honor it and him through this next chapter of the Marching Southerners.

I can’t overstate how much the Marching Southerners means to me. Through the influence of my band directors and the role music has played in my life, I found my passion and was fortunate to pursue it close to home. Being in the band opened the doors to everything else good that has come into my life. As a member and drum major, I personally experienced what a family the Marching Southerners truly is. I am proud to be part of something we can return to year after year and still feel like we all belong.

I am excited to continue working with and serving our students. When I was a drum major, I thought it must be the best feeling in the world to be the Director of the Marching Southerners and stand in front of this band day in and day out, creating something truly special. And it is. I am humbled and grateful that my career has been spent doing just that, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue in this new role. My goal is to serve the students well and give them an experience that changes their lives – just as it did mine. I also look forward to continuing to strengthen our commitment to supporting Jax State Athletics and building relationships across campus in support of our students.

We have an exciting season ahead! With the 70th anniversary of the Marching Southerners, we will continue to strengthen the ties between our alumni and current students and increase opportunities for them to be involved in each other’s experiences. I am also thrilled to show off Jax State and the city of Jacksonville to the world through our appearance in the Rose Parade in January 2027. I am excited to continue working alongside the Southerners staff – Clint Gillespie, Rodney Bailey, and Noelle Stovall – along with many others who make up our dream team, and our student staff, to create another special Marching Southerners production.

Blow Southerners!

Dr. Jeremy Stovall