First female named band director at Grambling State University

Grambling State University has announced Dr. Nikole Roebuck will lead as the University’s new Chair of the Department of Music and its first woman Director of Bands.

Dr. Roebuck will oversee operations for the World-Famed Tiger Marching Band which was recognized globally in April 2019 after performing for Beyoncé and Adidas.

“We are excited to have one of our home-grown innovators lead during this historic time,” said President Rick Gallot. “Dr. Roebuck is one of our most dedicated and humble leaders and a proven gift to our students, community, and all who support the world-famed sound of Grambling.”

Dr. Roebuck will serve as the first woman Director of Bands in the 93-year history of the University’s band which was started in 1926. She will serve as the third woman band director in the history of historically black colleges and universities, joining Tomisha Brock of Clark Atlanta University and Dr. Kerry Anne Simon of Mississippi Valley State University who were appointed in 2017 and in May 2019, respectively. Her appointment will also make her the second woman band director in the history of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.