Originally from Talladega, Alabama, Rodney Bailey wears many hats at JSU. He is currently the coordinator for the Integrated Studies major, he teaches several English classes (including Oral Communications, Early American Literature, and Freshmen Composition), and he is the instructor/choreographer for the JSU Color Guard and Winterguard, which has been quite successful in recent competitions this Spring.

Bailey says that he comes from a long line of English teachers, so he became passionate about English at a young age. He was recently awarded JSU’s George Mehaffy Excellence in Learning Technology Award and the McWhorter Outstanding Teacher Award.

“What I love about working at JSU is that JSU is rich in tradition and history that binds faculty and staff together to achieve a common goal: to give our students the best and most worthwhile educational experience possible,” Bailey, Distinguished Lecturer of English, said. “It is truly a special place, and I hope that more individuals from all walks of life get to experience Jacksonville State University firsthand.”

The Color Guard is made up of 70 students who are busy year-round. “For our students, a typical school year consists of fall auditions, which take place in May, and summer training, which takes place in June and July,” Bailey explained.

Students then return to campus for band camp, which occurs the entire month of August. During the middle of the fall, students audition for the competitive Winterguard, which competes annually on the local, regional, and international level; international championships take place in April each year.

Under the direction of Bailey, Winterguard has seen great success. The team has been a world championship finalist at least six times in the nine years it has attended the international championships.

“So far this year, the Color Guard team has competed in competitions in Georgia and Tennessee, winning the Knoxville regional and coming in third at the Atlanta Regional after being promoted to the next higher class,” Bailey reported. “The most rewarding part about instructing Color Guard is seeing the students bond, grow and succeed as a team.”

When he isn’t working, Bailey enjoys working with technology, reading, and watching sci-fi movies. He encourages all college students to enjoy their time at JSU. “Take in all the knowledge that is being offered, and get to know the people and place where these priceless memories are being made,” he advised.