Dr. Cory O’Neal, a principal in the Pell City school system and a native of Pell City, is an adjunct professor at JSU. He received his music education degree from Alabama A&M University and his doctorate in education from the University of Alabama. In his free time, he enjoys baking, cooking, and collecting recipes. This is his third year teaching music ensemble courses at JSU and directing the JSU Gospel Choir.

O’Neal has always had a strong love for music and singing. He says that “growing up in the church instilled a love of music in my soul.” It was this deep love for music that inspired O’Neal to share music with others. “I knew in high school that I wanted to be a music educator,” he says. “This was mainly because I wanted to be like my high school director and change lives the way that he did.”

At JSU, O’Neal has loved being part of the Music Department. One of his favorite things about JSU music is “the genuineness of the educators.” He is inspired by his colleagues, whose “passions are exemplified through their student’s musical expressions.”

In addition to teaching ensembles, O’Neal directs the JSU Gospel Choir. He says that the choir combines two of his favorite things: music and worship. “It gives me an opportunity to share my love for Jesus through music,” he says. “I hope that my students can experience Him through the music that we perform.”

Outside of teaching and directing at JSU, O’Neal is also the principal of Duran South Junior High in Pell City. He believes that his experience teaching has equipped him for this role. “I was a teacher first, and that helped me to be a more understanding middle school principal of the arts. I know the challenges, and I know the needs that the teachers face,” he says. “Having worked as a teacher makes me a better principal.”

O’Neal has this advice for JSU musicians and singers: “practice makes you a better musician. So get in the practice room as much as possible. Also, never let your love for music go away. You have to share this with the people you come in contact with so our passion will live on forever.”