After an extensive search, Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is excited to announce the hiring of Melton Harvey, II., as the school’s new Director of University Bands. Harvey will step into the new role on May 15, 2022.
“I would first like to thank Dr. (Jerryl) Briggs, President of Mississippi Valley State University, the administration, faculty, students, and alumni for selecting me for this position,” said Harvey. I am excited to work with the campus and the community,” he added.
Dr. Briggs said he is looking forward to working with Harvey as he begins this new journey in his career.
“I am excited to welcome Mr. Harvey into the MVSU band family,” Briggs said. “I know his knowledge and vision will continue the great tradition of the Mean Green Marching Machine and MVSU. I look forward to working alongside him to continue to grow the MVSU band.”
Harvey explained that the opportunity to serve MVSU is one he embraces fully.
“This is a monumental task, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with everyone to continue pushing the MVSU Band program in a forward direction," he said.
Harvey considers himself a hardworking, loyal, and God-fearing man that believes in academic success and the best in music.
“With the help of the band staff, we will promote the existence and welfare of the MVSU band program and cultivate a wholesome respect for students’ activities and achievements,” he said. I look forward to meeting and speaking with all associated with the band. I cannot wait to get started,” he added.
Harvey is a native of Flint, Michigan, where after graduating from high school, he attended Alcorn State University (ASU) and obtained a Bachelor of Music Education in 2010.
He began his professional career as Head Band Director for Jefferson County High School, located in Fayette, MS. While building a competitive program, he continued his studies and obtained a Master of Science in Higher Education from Walden University.
In August of 2015, Harvey began his new role as the Assistant Director of Bands/Instructor at ASU. While teaching courses and assisting with the ASU Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band. Harvey obtained a Master of Music Education at Jackson State University in 2018.
Harvey is currently pursuing a Doctor of Music Education from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. He is active in his affiliations with the Mississippi Band Directors Association, the HBCU Band Directors Consortium, Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity Inc., the National Association for Music Educators, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.