WCU Stories      July 5, 2024

By Julia Duvall

Jack Eaddy Jr., director of Western Carolina University’s athletic bands and Pride of the Mountains marching band, has accepted a teaching position in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia.

Eaddy, who has led POTM since 2021, will step down as the leader of the “Baddest Band in the Land” on Aug. 1 before assuming the new role at his alma mater.

“It has been an honor to lead this illustrious organization,” Eaddy said. “I am fortunate to have helped POTM return from COVID-19 and continue the rich tradition of excellence. We have had many great performances, amazing trips, some life-changing experiences and become better people, and a better organization in the process.”

During Eaddy’s tenure, POTM went on its first international trip, performing in the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

“Jack Eaddy has been an exceptional colleague and a tremendous leader of the Pride of the Mountains, expanding the organization’s reputation as the best and ‘baddest’ band in the land,” said George Brown, dean of WCU’s David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. “While he will be missed here at WCU, we are excited about this opportunity for him and wish him and his family the best. Conversations concerning interim leadership for POTM are currently underway with a full commitment to mounting the 2024 show ‘Higher Ground’ that is in final stages of development.”

Eaddy extended his gratitude to the welcoming community to which he and his family became a part of.

“I thank POTM, the university and the community for embracing my family and welcoming us,” he said. “It is hard leaving an organization with such a rich legacy and supportive community. A special thank you to my colleagues who helped me become a part of the Catamount family. POTM members: don’t forget the special entity POTM is. Cherish it and honor the tradition of the Long Purple Line.”