The University of Missouri is pleased to announce that Dr. Brandon A. Boyd has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Marie M. and Harry L. Smith Endowed Chair. This endowed chair aims to promote and support the work of outstanding faculty, recognizing their contributions to academic excellence and innovative research.

Dr. Boyd, currently serving as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, has demonstrated a firm commitment to nurturing student talent and elevating educational standards within the School of Music. In his role as the Marie M. and Harry L. Smith Endowed Chair, Dr. Boyd plans to undertake significant projects that will not only enhance academic discourse but also impact society at large. Among these initiatives is "Redeem the Dream," a groundbreaking orchestral-choral work inspired by Langston Hughes' powerful poem, aimed at commemorating pivotal moments in American history. Additionally, he will create an anthology of American Spiritual vocal arrangements by Black female composers and arrangers, addressing critical gaps in music literature while celebrating the storied repertoire of our American music heritage.

Dr. Jared R. Rawlings, Director of the School of Music, expressed his strong endorsement for Dr. Boyd's selection, stating, “Selecting Dr. Brandon Boyd as the awardee would not only recognize his exemplary contributions but also reaffirm our institution's commitment to academic excellence and social progress.”