FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLARKSDALE, MS – Coahoma Community College proudly named Dr. Kelvin K. Towers, Fine Arts Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities at Coahoma Community College, as the recipient of the Mississippi Humanities Teacher of the Year 2024 award. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Dr. Towers' outstanding contributions to humanities education and his dedication to fostering a rich cultural and educational environment.
With over two decades of exemplary service at Coahoma Community College, Dr. Towers has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape. His commitment to the development of an Associate of Arts degree in Music Education has addressed the educational needs of candidates within the Delta tri-state region, encompassing Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
Dr. Towers' illustrious career spans a wide range of musical genres, showcasing Concert, Gospel, Show choirs, Barbershop Quartet, and Men’s and Women’s vocal ensembles. He has served as a choral adjudicator at various levels, including the American Choral Directors Southern Region Conference, and as a clinician for district, all-city, and state convention choirs. Dr. Towers has been a driving force in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Choral Directors’ Association, holding the position of President.
Currently leading the Two-Year College Division of the Mississippi chapter of the American Choral Directors’ Association (MS-ACDA) as Repertoire & Resource Chair, and serving as the Executive Director of the Music Auxiliary for the Mississippi General Missionary Baptist State Convention, Dr. Towers has demonstrated his leadership in advancing music education.
A distinguished lecturer, Dr. Towers has presented at renowned conferences such as the University of Southern Mississippi Choral Conference, Delta State University International Blues Conference, Mississippi Valley State University B.B. King Symposium, and the Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival. His interests in lining-hymn singing, Gospel music pedagogy, and civic community service through the performing arts have added depth to his educational endeavors.
Dr. Towers' choirs have graced prestigious events, performing for the Mississippi American Choral Directors Association, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, DC, and alongside national Stellar Awards winning gospel artists. His commitment to community service was acknowledged when he received the outstanding community service award for the 90th Southeastern Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in 2022.
A proud native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Dr. Kelvin K. Towers holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Music in Choral Music Education from the University of Mississippi, along with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Mississippi Valley State University. He is also an esteemed member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Congratulations to Dr. Kelvin K. Towers on this well-deserved honor. His passion, dedication, and contributions to the field of humanities education are truly commendable.
ABOUT MISSISSIPPI HUMANITIES COUNCIL: (MAKE SURE TO BOLD THIS TITLE. MANY PEOPLE DON’T KNOW WHAT MS HUMANITIES COUNCIL IS).
Founded in March 1972 with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mississippi Humanities Council has been a catalyst for grassroots public humanities programs. Originally named the Mississippi Committee for the Humanities, the organization later evolved into the Mississippi Humanities Council, playing a crucial role in promoting social change in the state.
During its founding amidst the turmoil of federally imposed integration, the MHC played a significant role in facilitating interracial meetings and funding grants to communities for discussions on desegregation and other critical issues. Dr. Cora Norman, the founding executive director, led the Council for 24 years until her retirement in 1996.
The Council's commitment to bringing the insights of humanities scholars to contemporary issues has been a cornerstone of its mission. It continues to serve as an impartial broker among differing points of view, providing a state-level legitimacy for discussions on important social matters.