Copiah-Lincoln Community College has named Chad Austin as Director of Bands, effective July 1, 2024.

Austin has been employed in the Fine Arts division of the college since 2018 where he has served as Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor. As assistant director, he’s been vital to the instruction and organization of the marching band, percussion section and ensemble, the basketball pep band, the Sojourners, and assisting with the concert and jazz bands. He spearheaded the Delta Music Institute partnership with Delta State University, creating new entertainment industry classes offered at Co-Lin. Austin has also been heavily involved in band recruitment and helped to grow the Blue Wave Show Band to the largest band in Co-Lin history.

“Mr. Austin has been a true asset to Co-Lin. He is passionate about what he does, and it shows in his work ethic, his relationships, and the growth and success we’ve seen in the Blue Wave Show Band,” said Dr. Amanda Hood, Co-Lin Dean of Academic Instruction. “We are fortunate to have him stepping into this well-deserved position.”

Austin earned an associate’s degree from East Central Community College, a bachelor’s degree in K-12 instrumental music education from Mississippi State University, and a master’s degree in band conducting from Sam Houston State University. In 2009, Austin received the A.E. McClain Award for Mississippi’s Outstanding Young Band Director from the Mississippi Bandmasters Association and was named Co-Lin’s Outstanding Academic Instructor in 2022. He is a member of Mississippi Community College Band Directors, Mississippi Bandmasters Association, Percussive Arts Society, and is also a Yamaha Corporation of America Artist and Innovate Percussion Artist.

He and his wife Renee reside in Brandon.