NEWS

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has appointed Dr. Jonathan Hall to serve as the new chair of the Department of Music. Longtime chair Dr. Chris Sheppard has moved into a new and important role as the coordinator of vocal music.

“I am pleased to work with both of these faculty members. I am confident that Dr. Hall will continue to build the strong vocal and instrumental music programs for which Newberry is known,” said Dr. Beth Hinga, vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Sheppard remains fully committed to the success of vocal music at Newberry, and I am very happy to have him focusing on these students.”

Hall joined the Department of Music faculty in 2023 and has experience as an educator in both K-12 and college settings. In addition to his course load, he conducts the Newberry College Singers and serves as the college organist. He earned his doctorate in musical arts from the University of South Carolina and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Winthrop University.

“I am looking forward to leading the Department of Music as we move into a new academic year,” said Hall. “We will continue to provide students with a high-quality education, individualized instruction, and prepare them for the 21st-century workplace. Dr. Sheppard will continue to serve as a valuable member of our faculty, focusing on coordinating vocal music within the department.”

Sheppard served as chair from 2016 to 2024. During his tenure, he guided the department through its recent accreditation review by the National Association of Schools of Music, and helped enact initiatives that have more than doubled the number of music majors. The department set another record for its largest incoming class in fall 2024, the third time in the last five years it has done so. In this new role, Sheppard will continue to direct the Newberry College Madrigals, teach conducting, and take on more private voice students.

“Knowing that we have routinely been bringing in larger classes, and that we easily project a new high in total music enrollment by fall 2025, the timing feels right for me to move back into a faculty role,” said Sheppard. “I’ve been blessed to lead the department during such an exciting time with amazing colleagues, but I am even more excited to know that Dr. Jonathan Hall will take the reins. His administrative skills, musical standards, and upbeat personality will be a huge asset. I look forward to continuing to serve our students, and the department I love so much, under his leadership.”