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'My heart will always be with Jacksonville State'

Dr. Kenneth Bodiford looks back on his 32 years as director of the Marching Southerners

by Brett Buckner

Jacksonville, AL (11/14/2025) — For Jacksonville State University's Marching Southerners, every show matters - because any one of them can change a life. No one values this philosophy more than Director of Bands, Dr. Kenneth Bodiford, who recently announced his plans to retire at the end of the season after 32 years.

"It's just time for the next step in my own journey," Dr. Bodiford said. "Now that it's so close to the end, it's an odd feeling, but I'm at peace with it."

Having earned more accolades than there are notes in Stars Fell on Alabama, Bodiford chose to walk away while there was still plenty of rhythm left in his steps.

"I turned 60 this year," he said. "I'm ready to have a freer schedule and do some of the things I've always wanted to do before I get too old to do them."

But for three decades, Dr. Bodiford represented Jax State with excellence on every stage.

"The Marching Southerners are synonymous with Jacksonville State University, inspiring pride in our alumni and community wherever they go," said Jax State President Don Killingsworth. "His influence is seen in band rooms nationwide-in the many directors who learned from him and marched for him here-and in the lives of students he's mentored. He has showcased Jax State and the Southerners to the world, and our university is stronger because of his leadership."

Band beginnings

Before he led the 500-member ensemble to be among the most prestigious collegiate marching bands in the country, Bodiford was a 10th-grade student at St. Clair County High School in Odenville, Alabama, about to have his own epiphany with the Southerners.

It was 1980, and Bodiford was already thinking about his college and career options. Although he loved playing the tuba in the marching band, Bodiford had already enrolled in an accelerated high school program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to study physical therapy. That was before his high school band director took the group to Jacksonville to see the Marching Southerners perform.

"The first time I saw the Southerners, I was blown away," Dr. Bodiford said, his voice rising with excitement even so many years later. "They were just incredible. It changed my life, and it's the same kind of impact I always want our band to have."

That night, Bodiford went home, woke up his parents, and told them that he'd seen his future, and it was as a member of the Marching Southerners.

"I knew this was where I belonged," he said. "I hope it's how all the students feel when they get here."

Bodiford enrolled at Jax State in 1983. As a freshman, he began marching in the Southerners' 20J (tuba) line, which felt as if it was about half the size of his entire high school band.

"It was one of the greatest experiences ever," Bodiford said. "And the thing about the Southerners is just that incredible family atmosphere." When he first arrived, Bodiford didn't know anybody. "Then, a week later, you felt like you've been part of it forever."

It's that feeling of belonging, of being a part of something greater, that Bodiford and his staff have always tried to maintain. "We preach it constantly," Bodiford said. "We always have to support each other. And that's stayed the same through decades."

The Marching Southerners are a tradition, built on a foundation of excellence, precision, and pride. It's a shared legacy, and everyone who joins the Southerners becomes a thread in that tapestry. Expectations are high because those who came before lived up to the existing reputation.

"I always tell the freshmen at band camp, 'Our very first show of the season has to be as good as the last show of last season'. We can't ever come out and just say, 'Oh, well, it'll get better as the season goes on.' We want greatness from the first performance, then to keep getting better."

Their efforts have paid off across generations as Bodiford has inspired thousands of students to be their very best.

In 2022, Jacksonville State University became the smallest university in history whose marching band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy - often called the "Heisman of college marching bands" - recognizing the Marching Southerners as one of the nation's premier collegiate marching bands.

The Southerners have performed on the grandest stages around the world, from New York City to London, The Vatican in Rome to Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The band will perform at the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., an event expected to reach 73 million global viewers, including 45 million in the U.S. and 700,000 in-person spectators.

"It's going to overshadow everything we've ever done," said Dr. Bodiford. "A lot of people are going to see that big old huge band coming down the street and wonder, 'What university is that?' and we're gonna let them know."

Though he'll be retired, there's no chance Dr. Bodiford will miss the Rose Parade.

"Oh, I'll be there," he said, laughing. "I'm going to go with them and be with them on that trip. I just won't have to plan it."

Family, just the same

Bodiford refuses to take credit for the Southerners' high standard of success, which, to him, has never been about one person, but rather a shared vision and work ethic of an entire staff driven by its devotion to the students and to the program's reputation.

"This position has truly changed my life for the better," Bodiford said on a Sept. 28 Facebook post announcing his retirement. "The greatest gift has been the people. My immediate staff-although we do not share the same bloodline-are truly my family. To spend your life working with people you love, trust, and respect, who you know will always be there for you, is one of the greatest blessings I could have ever asked for."

Such acknowledgement isn't surprising for Colorguard coordinator, Rodney Bailey.

"Not a meeting goes by that he does not tell us how grateful he is to have us as staff members," he said. "For me personally, that's something that I'll always remember. And that is something that I'll always incorporate with my students because you just never know when your words are going to change the life of someone sitting there."

For all that the Southerners have accomplished, perhaps what's most unprecedented is the tenure of his staff. For example, Bailey has been with the program for 25 years. Clint Gillespie, associate director of bands, has been there for 27 years, Dr. Jeremy Stovall, assistant director of bands, has been there for 21 years, and Noelle Stovall, Marching Ballerina coordinator has served for 14 years. But age and time have done little to quench Bodiford's drive.

"He's still the same consistently supportive person from an emotional and logistical standpoint," Bailey said. "He still has that passion, and that's the reason why the program has been so successful all these years - because he's been consistent that way he still wants to make people feel the way he did when he came through the program."

Everyone is coming to terms with life without their mentor and friend. While feeling confident in the structure they helped create and strengthen.

"He is leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the band for years to come," Dr. Stovall said. "While I'm thrilled for him as he begins this new chapter, I can't help but feel a bit sad knowing I won't get to work alongside him each day."

While his leadership will be missed, it's only part of what made Dr. Bodiford beloved by staff and students alike.

"Dr. Bodiford's kindness shines through in everything he does," Stovall said. "He always puts his students first, ensuring that they feel supported, valued, and inspired to succeed."

While Dr. Bodiford's announcement was initially met with shock and even grief, all appreciate what he's done for them and the Southerners.

"I am happy for Dr. Bodiford and the time that he will have to enjoy his retirement," Gillespie said. "He has put in countless hours above and beyond to ensure the success of the band program. Not many people can understand the amount of time and devotion that he has put towards Jax State and the Marching Southerners."

Time marches on

The Marching Southerners without Dr. Bodiford sounds like an oxymoron, but Bailey is confident that the staff is prepared to move forward. "That's what he's trained us to do," he said. "He's taught us how to do it. To do it successfully and efficiently."

In truth, retirement has been on Dr. Bodiford's mind for a couple of years. He chose now because of the current state of the Southerners and staff. At rehearsals, Dr. Bodiford's been stepping back, allowing his staff to lead more often, ensuring the students won't be overly impacted by the inevitable change.

"It's going to be one of the smoothest transitions that could ever take place," Dr. Bodiford said. "The Marching Southerners are in great hands for the future."

Though it's the Marching Southerners that dominate the bullet point of Dr. Bodiford's resume, he also taught advanced conducting classes, served as director of the Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps from 2001 to 2007, and was appointed to lead the United States Army All-American Marching Band in 2016-17. But perhaps his most cherished responsibility outside of the Southerners is as director of the Jax State Chamber Winds, the university's top wind ensemble.

"Those kids are the best of the best," he said. "I can't even put it into words, because they're so talented and they really push me. And it's completely different from Southerners."

Dr. Bodiford considered the Chamber Winds rehearsals a "bright spot" his "safe place." On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the Chamber Winds performed their final concert directed by Dr. Bodiford. When the final note faded and the audience rose to their feet, Dr. Bodiford felt as if the applause wasn't just for the performance.

"It was a reflection of all the love, dedication, and passion that have been built for this program over the years," he wrote in a Facebook post the night of the concert. "Over the years, the Chamber Winds have given me some of the most meaningful memories of my career. We've shared so much incredible music together - moments that lifted our spirits, challenged us, and reminded us of just how powerful music can be when hearts and minds unite behind it."

Dr. Bodiford admits that he's still settling into the idea of retirement. Though he's looking forward to relaxing, getting things done around the house and guest conducting - he's already booked three cruises.

As the end draws near, Dr. Bodiford finds himself reflecting on the small moments he'll miss most - standing at the podium or on the tower at the start of every rehearsal, hearing the first note of a performance, seeing the eyes of freshmen light up as they take the field for the first time and realize, grinning in disbelief, that they're part of something bigger than themselves. Over the years, Bodiford had offers from other schools, but he already had his dream job.

"Once you've been the director of the Marching Southerners, nothing could compare," he said. "I don't think I would've been happy anywhere else. My heart wouldn't be in it. I belong here."

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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