VSU Appoints Dr. Harding to New Positions

Dr. Tayloe Harding, Head of Valdosta State University's Music Department and Executive Director of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, has been appointed to two new positions; Chief Advancement Officer for the Arts and the Composer-in-Residence for VSU and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

?I?m delighted to be able to serve Valdosta State University in this new way,? stated Harding.

Harding said that being the Chief Advancement Officer for the Arts gives him the task of working with the College of the Arts faculty to identify and cultivate the sources of financial support for arts activities. In this new post, Dr. Harding works directly with Scott Sikes, Vice President for University Advancement, and with Dr. John Gaston, Dean of the College of the Arts. Dr. Harding also assumes leadership of the existing College of the Arts outreach and advancement arm, ArtSouth.

?We are excited to have Dr. Harding as an addition to the advancement team,? stated Sikes. ?The arts are a major component of VSU and its related entities such as the Jekyll Island Musical Theatre Festival and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. VSU's leadership team felt it was important to have a strong leader, Dr. Harding, for the broad field of Advancement in the Arts, including public relations, government relations, community relations, and arts alumni relations.?

?This will be a great opportunity for the College of the Arts to address its needs in terms of development and I think he will be very effective in that position,? said Dr. Gaston.

The second new position Harding was appointed to is the Composer-in-Residence for VSU and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. ?With the new position of Composer, I will be able to compose regular new works for the VSU Symphony as well as for various faculty ensembles,? stated Harding.

Harding said VSU is poised to play a more significant role in the lives of the people it serves while securing the support that its fine College of the Arts demands.

?This is a great opportunity for me-- to serve our fine college and university in such vital and meaningful endeavors,? stated Harding.

Dr. Harding has been a faculty member at Valdosta State University since July 1, 1997.