Professor William McConnell Appointed To National Position

Laurinburg, N.C. - The Executive Committee of the American Choral Directors Association announced on Wednesday the appointment of Dr. William "Bill" McConnell, associate professor of music at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, to the position of National Repertoire and Standards Chair for Colleges and Universities.

In his new position, McConnell will coordinate the activities of seven regional chairs across the nation, solicit applications from performing choirs and presenters for national conventions and events, coordinate the choice of repertoire for national collegiate events, and serve as a liaison between the national board and college choral directors.

"We congratulate Bill on his appointment," said Bob Hopkins, vice president for academic affairs at St. Andrews. "This is truly an honor for him and we are proud of his accomplishments in this arena."

McConnell also serves St. Andrews as the associate dean for adult and extended programs.

"In the years I have held this position, I can honestly say without a doubt, this was not only the largest field of applicants, but the most distinguished I have ever seen for any Repertoire and Standards position," said Nancy Cox, ACDA National Chair for Repertoire and Standards.

McConnell has previously served on the association's planning committees for national conventions in Miami and Oklahoma City. He has also served as Honor Choir Chair of the 2007 Two-Year Colleges National Honor Choir in Miami.

Founded in 1959, the American Choral Directors Association is a nonprofit music-education organization whose central purpose is to promote excellence in choral music through performance, composition, publication, research, and teaching. In addition, ACDA strives through arts advocacy to elevate choral music's position in American society.

McConnell received his bachelor's degree from Oral Roberts University and went on to earn his Master's in Music from East Carolina University and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

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An innovative and bold academic venture to an interdisciplinary curriculum, a highly acclaimed college press, an award-winning pipe band, national champion equestrian teams, and first-rate scholarship have marked the distinctive character of St. Andrews. In addition to classes on the main campus, adult learners also choose the Center for Adult and Professional Studies opportunities through St. Andrews @ Sandhills and St. Andrews ONLINE.

St. Andrews was formed by the merger on Aug. 29, 1958, of Presbyterian Junior College and Flora Macdonald College. Further information may be obtained by visiting the College's website www.sapc.edu, calling 800-763-0198 or sending an e-mail to info@sapc.edu.