The University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Albert Nguyen as the Interim Director of the School, effective July 1, 2024.
With a distinguished career in music education and administration, Dr. Nguyen brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this role. Currently serving as an associate professor, director of bands, and area coordinator of conducting at the UofM, he is uniquely equipped to guide the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music during this transitional period.
Nguyen expressed his enthusiasm for leading the vibrant community at the School of Music, stating, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the students, my colleagues and staff of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music in this new capacity. My passion lies in uplifting others and forging pathways to success. I am grateful for the foundation laid by director Dr. Kevin Sanders’ leadership and look forward to contributing to the School’s continued growth and innovation.”
As interim director, Dr. Nguyen will oversee the School’s operations, academic programs, and artistic endeavors. He is committed to working closely with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders to maintain the School’s high musical excellence standards and advance its mission of fostering creativity, scholarship, and cultural engagement through music.
Dr. Ryan Fisher, interim dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, firmly believes that Dr. Nguyen embodies the ideal qualities necessary to guide the School through this transitional year. “Dr. Nguyen has been an exceptional leader within the School of Music for over a decade. He is highly regarded by his peers as well as his students and has a comprehensive understanding of the various academic programs within the School of Music,” said Fisher. “As interim director, I am confident he will build on the School’s recent successes and continue to strengthen our internal and external collaborations within the arts community.”
The appointment of Nguyen coincides with the School’s strategic preparation for a new chapter of advancement and creativity. Dr. Kevin Sanders, the current School of Music director transitioning into a new position out of state, agrees that Nguyen possesses the requisite experience to lead the School adeptly. “Dr. Nguyen is an outstanding and trusted faculty member with 15 years of exemplary service to the School of Music and the University. He embodies the spirit and values we hold dear, and I am confident that under his leadership, our School will continue to thrive,” remarked Dr. Sanders.
Dr. Albert Nguyen holds the Pearl Wales Professorship for his outstanding contribution to the University of Memphis in teaching, creative activity, and service. Under Dr. Nguyen’s direction, UofM ensembles have performed at the CBDNA Southern Regional Conference, the TNMEA All-State Conference, and Internationally in Austria and Italy. As a conductor and clinician, he has worked with ensembles and students throughout the United States. Dr. Nguyen received the First Tennessee Professorship for contributing to the University of Memphis’s educational, research, outreach, and service missions.
Dr. Nguyen began his professional teaching career as the director of bands at Morrilton High School in Morrilton, AR. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in wind conducting from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of Kappa Kappa, Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Phi Beta Mu and serves the College Band Directors National Association as a member of the Diversity Committee.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Albert Nguyen to his new role with the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music community.