COLUMBIA, SC – July 29, 2025 – Garrick D. Rivers has been selected as an Assistant Director of Bands, bringing more than 15 years of experience in music education and a well-respected legacy of student-centered leadership, artistic excellence and program development.
Rivers says, “I am excited to work alongside a talented and dedicated team of educators, musicians, and students who share a passion for the transformative power of music. Together, we will continue to build on the rich traditions of the Benedict College Band Program, while also exploring new creative directions that inspire, challenge, and uplift our community.”
Rivers is a native of Lithonia, Georgia, and has served in dynamic roles across both secondary and collegiate levels, including positions at South Carolina State University, Richland Northeast High School, and most recently, New Manchester High School, Douglasville, Georgia. Known for his ability to build high-achieving music programs and cultivate strong relationships with students, faculty, and the broader community, Rivers is poised to make a significant impact on the Benedict College band program.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Rivers to the Benedict College family,” said Dr. Roslyn Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “His track record of excellence and commitment to student success aligns perfectly with our mission to develop powerfully prepared leaders.”
Director of Bands Dr. Brendan Johnson says he is excited to begin collaborating with Rivers after years of healthy competition. “For years, Garrick and I have gone head-to-head in South Carolina—building powerhouse programs and pushing the boundaries of musical excellence. His reputation precedes him. Mr. Rivers has a proven track record of building band programs from the ground up, instilling discipline, passion, and excellence in every student he encounters. Wherever he goes, success follows. His leadership, vision, and relentless work ethic make him the perfect fit for Benedict College as we continue to raise the bar. This is a major win for our students and the future of our band program,” says Johnson.
Rivers holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from South Carolina State University and is currently completing his Master of Music Education at Kent State University, with more than 20 hours of graduate coursework already completed. He is also certified to teach K-12 music in both South Carolina and Georgia.
At each of his previous institutions, Rivers has consistently produced ensembles that excel in regional and state-level competitions. His skills in music arranging, drill writing, and student leadership development are expected to enhance both the performance and educational components of the Benedict College band experience.
A proud member of professional organizations including the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and South Carolina Band Directors Association, Mr. Rivers brings both passion and professionalism to his new role.
Rivers will begin his tenure this fall, assisting in the continued growth and excellence of the Benedict College Marching Tiger Band of Distinction and instrumental music program.
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About Benedict College (www.benedict.edu)
Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 29 competitive baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from several counties in South Carolina, states across America, and countries around the world. The College also has a diverse faculty deeply engaged in teaching, research, and service.
Benedict College has been highly regarded and exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. Benedict College is the recipient of the 2024 UNCF Institutional Excellence Award given by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building Program in celebration of an HBCU that achieved next-level performance. Benedict was also named HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest and was listed among the top half of ranked HBCUs in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges by US News and World Report.
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Five of the College’s degree programs hold national accreditation: Social Work Program, Environmental Health Science Program, Environmental Engineering, Studio Art, and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.