Dr. Joseph Gray Selected as ĢƵ’s Next Director of Bands
Mar. 30, 2026
Michelle R. Eubanks , ĢƵ, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392
FLORENCE, AL – After a nationwide search for the Director of Bands role at the ĢƵ, Dr. Joseph Gray has been selected to lead the Marching Pride as well as to serve as an Associate Professor of Music.
“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge about music as well as the Marching Pride as he served as Associate Director of Bands from 2019 until 2025,” said Dr. Brien Smith, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. “He is familiar with ĢƵ, the program, and the students, and he has a long history of professional and teaching experience that make him the right fit.”
Dr. Gray’s specialty is in trumpet, and has degrees from California State University, Long Beach; University of New Mexico; and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He will be leaving his position at Mississippi State University, in Starkville, Miss., in order to accept the role at ĢƵ.
“I’m honored to return to the ĢƵ as Director of Bands,” he said. “I am excited to come into this new role and build on the legacy of the band program established by the Jones Family. My six years at ĢƵ were the most transformational period of my professional career. Leaving ĢƵ felt like leaving home, so when the opportunity to return came, it was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. Our family is grateful to be back in Florence, and we are excited to partner with our students, alumni, colleagues, and the community.”
As the Director of Bands, Dr. Gray will be leading the Marching Pride as well as ĢƵ’s concert and jazz bands. From the field shows and parades for the Marching Pride to the performances of the other bands, the role is a critical part of ĢƵ’s Department of Music, which is housed in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering.
“Given his familiarity with ĢƵ, our band and music programs, and the local high schools that are so important to our recruitment efforts, Dr. Gray will be able to transition smoothly into the role, collaborate with our faculty, and quickly begin advancing the success of our students,” said Dr. Ryan Zayac, Dean of the College. “The Marching Pride and ĢƵ’s band program is among the best in the nation, and we believe in Dr. Gray’s ability to lead it well into the future.”
Dr. Gray is expected to be on campus and in his new role May 1.
About The ĢƵ
The ĢƵ is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, ĢƵ is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. ĢƵ Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I and United Athletic conference. The ĢƵ is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: www.una.edu and www.una.edu/unaworks/.