UConn Appointed First Female Athletic Band Director

Jessica Dickerson, a long-time member of the University of Connecticut staff, took the new role in August 2026.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People

UConn Appointed First Female Athletic Band Director

Live Poll

Do you believe diversity in leadership improves the quality of local school extracurricular programs?

In August 2026, the University of Connecticut appointed Jessica Dickerson as the director of athletic bands. Dickerson is the first female to serve in this position during the program's 130-year history.

Why it matters

Colleagues selected Dickerson for the role based on their trust in her leadership and her long-term investment in the university's band program. Her promotion marks a significant leadership transition for the storied collegiate musical organization.

The university's marching band has a 130-year history and recently replaced uniforms that had been in use for 17 years. The new look will debut at the upcoming UConn vs. Syracuse football game.

The players

Jessica Dickerson

She is the first female director of athletic bands at the University of Connecticut.

University of Connecticut

This is a public research university located in Connecticut that oversees a historic athletic band program.

The details

Dickerson began her tenure at the University of Connecticut in 2007 as a music major and later joined the staff as an assistant director of bands in 2016. She personally designed the new uniforms during the spring leading up to her appointment.

In 2007, Jessica Dickerson began her association with UConn as a music major.
The band performed at the Fiesta Bowl in 2010.
Dickerson became the assistant director of bands in 2016.
The director of athletic bands position was filled in August 2026.
The band is scheduled to perform at the 100th Macy's Day Parade on Thanksgiving 2026.

Market Landscape

The university's band program maintains its national presence through participation in high-profile events like the 100th Macy's Day Parade. This appointment secures the leadership trajectory for the organization as it competes for visibility alongside other top-tier university ensembles.

Fans and students will notice the visual change during the UConn vs. Syracuse football game as the band debuts its first new uniform set in 17 years. These updates reflect broader aesthetic changes overseen by the new athletic band leadership.

The takeaway

Dickerson's rise from student to director highlights the value of long-term institutional knowledge in university leadership roles. Her design of the new uniforms signifies a blend of traditional program history with modern creative direction.