Inspiring a love of music

The 2022 Grammy Music Educator of the Year was Stephen Cox, a 2010 graduate of Howard Payne University. At the time of the announcement, Cox was the band director at Eastland High School (EHS), 60 miles north of HPU. He now serves as director of bands at the Advanced Learning Academy, Fox Tech and Cast Tech Schools in San Antonio.

Cox and his wife, Stephanie (Dotson) ’09, were invited to attend the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in April 2022, where they sat among famous musicians and other celebrities. Cox was delighted that music education was highlighted during the awards ceremony and honored by the recognition.

“The red carpet experience was legitimate and they used the process to highlight music education and how important it is,” Cox said. “They treated us like celebrities. At every point, they were producing publicity for music education.”

In October 2022, HPU recognized Cox as the Outstanding Young Graduate as part of the Stinger Spectacular weekend. During the HPU Family Picnic on Saturday, Cox led a jazz trio with adjunct faculty member Cody Hutcheson and Stacy Nash. The hour-long performance set a wonderful, inviting atmosphere for all in attendance.

Cox enjoyed being back on campus for the festivities and engaging with the university again.

“HPU was there at exactly the right place and time to make a difference in my life,” he said. “That mission is still alive today and staying connected helps continue that legacy.”

Cox embodies values HPU seeks to instill in students – Christian service and leadership in their vocations. His teaching philosophy is that “fine arts programs should be integral to their communities, students should have as much control as possible, and our ultimate goal is to give students the skills they need to chart their own path in life.”

Born and raised in Early, Cox began taking private music lessons as a high school student from HPU music professor Stephen Goacher. Cox’s love for music continued to develop through his high school years and, due to his relationship with Goacher and other music faculty, HPU was a natural next step for his college choice. While at HPU, Cox met his wife, Stephanie, in Winds of Triumph, HPU’s symphonic band at the time. He also played in band and the jazz band.

“My music professors and peers inspired me and pushed me to be my best,” Cox said. “The relationships formed at Howard Payne continue to be some of the most important in my life.”

Goacher was influential in Cox’s decision to pursue music education as a degree. He noticed Cox’s love of music and desire to instill that love in others.

“Mr. Goacher was a mentor and friend longer than any other teacher,” Cox said. “I don’t go more than a couple of months without talking to him.”

Following graduation, Cox taught for two years at New Braunfels Christian Academy and then became the director of bands for EHS. During his 10 years of teaching at EHS, he taught countless students and helped coordinate events like the Eastland Jazz Festival. The band was also a consistent UIL sweepstakes band, advanced to state marching contests and won multiple State Outstanding Performance Series concert band titles from the Association of Texas Small School Bands. Cox has been featured in the SBO+ (School Band and Orchestra) magazine’s “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.”

The Cox family now lives in San Antonio, with their three children: Aubree, Chuck and Caesar. Stephen continues to pour into music students and Stephanie is a visual art teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School.