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A solid out-of-conference win for No. 17 Jackson State... Some struggles from JaCobian Morgan and the passing attack, but the rushing attack is explosive once again
Ahmad Miller had a breakout performance... 10 carries, 172 rushing yards, 17.2 YPC, 2 rushing TDs 📈 https://t.co/RE5qNxI8Ca
The hit that knocked #Southern QB Jalen Woods out of the game. No flag thrown for targeting and could not be reviewed because there is no replay here in Valley.
Nicholas comes to SC State from a similar post at Tuskegee University. He becomes the second FAMUan to lead the Marching 101 program, following the late Mr. Ronald J. Sarjeant, a SC State Hall of Famer. Professor Sarjeant served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Tuskegee University and became the Director of Bands at SCSU in 1976 until his retirement in 2004. Yes, he is the brother of FAMU's legendary composer/arranger and Music Department Chairman, Professor Lindsey B. Sarjeant. Dr. Nicholas too is a product of the late Dr. William P. Foster music tree of extraordinary musicians, arrangers, conductors, and music educators. Dr. Nicholas was an avid Tuba player with the FAMU Marching 100 and musical ensembles. A native of Orlando, Florida, Nicholas earned the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in band conducting at the University of South Carolina. (beepbeep)
Dr. J. William NicholasORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University has named Dr. J. William Nicholas as its new director of bands, bringing with him a record of proven leadership and nationally recognized success in music education.
“I often say that I consider our performing arts programs just as important to the culture and image of South Carolina State University as athletics,” said SC State President Alexander Conyers. “These students work hard to represent the university at the best of their ability as part of a treasured tradition at SC State, and they deserve the best leadership in return.
“I am confident that Dr. Nicholas will take our band programs to even greater heights. He knows well the importance of a marching band to HBCU culture, and I look forward to seeing how far he takes the legendary Marching 101,” Conyers said.
Nicholas will officially join SC State on Sept. 1.
He comes to SC State after serving as director of bands at Tuskegee University, where he conducted the Tuskegee Winds, led the Marching Crimson Pipers, taught courses in conducting and general music, and oversaw all aspects of the band program. x He joined Tuskegee in 2022 after completing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at the University of South Carolina.
During his tenure at Tuskegee, Nicholas created the Tuskegee Winds, a new wind ensemble focused on instrumental pedagogy and wind band literature. He also doubled the size of the Marching Crimson Pipers and led the band to an invitation to the 2024 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands.
Leading the Marching 101 tradition
As director of bands, Nicholas will head all of SC State’s bands, including the world-famous Marching 101. With roots stretching back more than a century, the Marching 101 has grown into one of the most celebrated HBCU marching bands in the nation, known for its powerful sound, intricate drills, and showmanship that captivates audiences from the football field to national stages.
The band has earned national acclaim through performances at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, presidential inaugurations, and professional football games. It continues to represent South Carolina with Bulldog pride across halftime shows, parades, and community celebrations.
Dr. Frederick M.G. Evans, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Nicholas will play a crucial role in shaping campus life.
"The Director of Bands plays a vital role in shaping the spirit and culture of SC State University,” Evans said. “Dr. Nicholas’s vision and dedication will not only strengthen our musical excellence but also enhance the vibrant student experience we value so deeply. Dr. Nicholas's exceptional musicianship, proven leadership, and passion for developing student talent will be an incredible asset to our university and the broader community."
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Nicholas to our music family here at SC State University,” Fields said. “He brings extensive experience in both marching and concert bands, including directing and performing. Our students will greatly benefit from his expertise and leadership. Additionally, his knowledge of the standards required for National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accreditation is a tremendous asset. We are also encouraged by his vision to expand and strengthen our music programs.
Career foundation and recognition
Before his appointment at Tuskegee, Nicholas served as director of bands at Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 2014 to 2019. Under his leadership, the band program grew from 60 to more than 110 students, earned consistent superior ratings at district and state levels, and garnered national attention in 2018 when the school’s wind ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall following a $100,000 donation announced on the “Ellen” show. Nicholas was honored with the Florida Music Education Association’s Tom Bishop Award for his transformative impact at Jones.
Nicholas also maintains an active profile as a clinician and adjudicator, with presentations at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show, the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference, and the Florida Music Educators Association Conference. He most recently conducted the 2025 Orange County Public Schools 9-10 All-County Concert Band.He holds a Master of Music Education degree from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Science in music education from Florida A&M University.
Season opener performance
The Marching 101 will take the field this Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium as SC State opens its 2025 football season. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. Nicholas will assume leadership of the band later in the season.
A defensive front that could be one of the best in the Big 12 awaits the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team Saturday. https://t.co/LuDYWJDDvU
