Bara named Boyd UGA Foundation Professor

Congratulations to director of choral activities Daniel Bara, who has been named the John D. Boyd UGA Foundation Professor in Choral Music:

The appointment was approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at its Oct. 15 meeting.

Bara oversees seven university choral ensembles—including the UGA Hodgson Singers and the University Chorus—as well as the graduate choral conducting program in the Hodgson School. He also is the youth and student activities chairman for the Southern Division Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

"Dr. Bara is among the finest choral conductors in the country and, indeed, in the world," said Dale Monson, director of the Hodgson School. "He attracts top talent among aspiring young conductors and singers to UGA to study with him, and his concerts are absolutely brilliant, among the highlights of our season. We're so fortunate to have him on our campus."

Indeed we are. The choral program in the Hodgson school has long been a UGA strength, and we are grateful to the Foundation for securing this program for the foreseeable future by honoring Dr. Boyd, professor emeritus of English and a longtime choral enthusiast. His legacy will live on in the great work evinced by Bara, his students and their ensembles.

And among the most ardent supporters of UGA and the Franklin College, we note that longtime benefactor, philanthropist and civic leader Jane Willson passed earlier this week. Along with her late husband Harry, the Willsons are among the most influential and visionary supporters in UGA's history. We are especially grateful for their longtime involvement with our students, faculty, people and programs, alongside the guidance they contributed to the Franklin College and the university itself. Through their support and commitment, these benefactors help define the university today and for many years to come.

Image: Daniel Bara, director of choral activities in the Hodgson School, with the Hodgson Singers at their performance at Stadtpfarrkirche St. Stephan in Baden, Austria. (Credit: Christian Schoerg)