April 21, 2000
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Henry Panion, Ph.D., professor and chairman of the department of music at UAB, has been named University Professor in Music by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. Jeff W. Reynolds, D.M.A., associate professor of music, will become interim chairman of the department beginning with the summer term.
The rank of university professor transcends departmental lines and allows the faculty member the greatest latitude in teaching, writing and scholarly research.
“This is an appropriate designation for Dr. Panion,” said Peter O’Neil, Ph.D., provost at UAB. “It will enable him to bring his talents to bear on projects with faculty and students throughout campus. His understanding of the university coupled with his experience in both the professional and collegiate world make him a true resource for this position.”
Jeff Reynolds joined the UAB faculty in 1998 as associate professor of music and director of choral activities. He is an acclaimed performer and conductor.
“Dr. Jeff Reynolds and Dr. Henry Panion have worked together closely for more than two years on a number of initiatives in the department of music,” O’Neil said. “His appointment as interim chair insures the continuance of our many outstanding educational and performance programs.”
Panion has served has chair of the department since 1994. In 1996 he was named the recipient of the Caroline P. and Charles W. Ireland Award for Scholarly Distinction at UAB. Since 1992, Panion has served as conductor and arranger for superstar Stevie Wonder. His work as producer, composer and arranger has resulted in two Grammy Awards and two Dove Awards. He was a 1995 inductee into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
Panion earned his bachelor’s degrees from Alabama A&M University and his master’s degree and doctorate from Ohio State University. In 1996 he was named the Distinguished Alumni of the Year from Ohio State University.
“This is an extreme honor,” Panion said. “We have a tremendous number of opportunities to develop collaborations across campus and I look forward to helping to make them realities. Working with my colleagues throughout the university is very exciting.”
Prior to joining UAB, Reynolds was an associate professor of music and director of choral activities at the University of Arkansas-Monticello. He spent 10 years as the chairman of the music department and director of choral activities at Brevard Community College in Melbourne, Florida.
Throughout his academic career, Reynolds has continued his performance career. In addition to his duties at UAB, Reynolds is the music director for the International Cathedral Music Festival, where choruses and orchestras under his direction have performed in such venues as Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, Salisbury Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, St. John’s, Smith Square London, St. Stephen’s, Vienna, St. Ettienne-Du-Mont and Notre Dame, Paris, and the Salisbury Cathedral, Austria.
“We have a very solid foundation within the department,” Reynolds said. “I look forward to continuing the tradition of developing a world-class music department.”
Reynolds earned his bachelor’s degree in voice and church music from Samford University, his master’s degree in conducting from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and his doctorate in conducting from the University of Illinois.