Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Summer 2026 21 Dr. Nelson is Assistant Clinical Professor in the Music Theory and Composition Division at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she has served since 2025 following a Visiting Assistant Professorship. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in advanced music theory, musical form, style analysis, and analytical techniques, as well as seminars in music theory pedagogy. She also contributes to departmental leadership as Acting Division Coordinator and serves on the Undergraduate Committee while mentoring graduate research on dissertation committees. Dr. Nelson's scholarly work centers on modernist music, with particular emphasis on aphoristic and fragmentary forms. Her doctoral dissertation, "Fragments, Miniatures and Microludes: Analyzing the Modernist Aphoristic Aesthetic" (University of Michigan), reflects a broader research agenda that bridges music theory, philosophy, and aesthetics. She has presented her work at major international and national conferences, including meetings of the Society for Music Theory and the American Musicological Society, and has delivered invited lectures on modernist short forms and analytical methodologies. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Nelson is active in editorial and professional service. She is Associate Editor of SMT-Pod and a founding editor of Currents in Music Research. Her contributions also include program committee service for multiple scholarly societies and participation in initiatives supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in music studies. As a performer, Dr. Nelson is a violist with experience in contemporary music ensembles, including the Contemporary Directions Ensemble and Contemporary Music Workshop. She has been active in chamber music, orchestral performance, and interdisciplinary musical projects, including work as a vocalist and instrumentalist in collaborative ensembles. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous awards and grants, including a Rackham Dissertation Fellowship and a research stipend from the Paul Sacher Stiftung. Dr. Nelson earned a PhD in Music Theory from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in Music Theory from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, and a Bachelor of Music in Theory/Composition from St. Olaf College. DR. MICHAEL THRASHER Dr. Michael Thrasher was initiated as a National Arts Associate by the Delta Zeta Chapter at Troy University in May. Dr. Thrasher is a nationally recognized academic leader with more than twenty-five years in higher education. As Dean of Arts and Humanities at Troy University, he promotes excellence in the fine arts, humanities, and communication. His leadership responsibilities include strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, faculty development, accreditation, and curriculum innovation. Previously, Dr. Thrasher held senior leadership positions at Florida State University, the University of Texas at Tyler, and North Dakota State University, serving as Associate Dean, Interim Dean, and Director. He led initiatives in interdisciplinary collaboration, student success, institutional effectiveness, and faculty governance, securing approximately $10 million in new funding. In addition to his administrative roles, Dr. Thrasher advances scholarship and public engagement in the arts and humanities. Recently, he and faculty at Troy University secured a $449,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to document the artistic contributions of Alabama's immigrant communities. As an advocate for musician health and wellness, Dr. Thrasher has published in journals such as Medical Problems of Performing Artists, Journal of Band Research, and The Clarinet, where he served as Editor. He is also an associate editor of the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Musician Health Advocacy. He has received a Fulbright International Education Administrators Award to Germany and has presented internationally at conferences in Europe and the US. In recognition of his commitment to service and leadership, Dr. Thrasher received the 2024 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which recognizes those who "act as humble servants, placing service to others before self- interest." He has also served on the boards of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and East Texas Symphony Orchestra, and as Minister of Music at Immanuel Baptist Church in Tallahassee. Nationally, he serves as a Visiting Evaluator for the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Dr. Thrasher earned a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern State University. He also holds professional certificates in fund development (Rice University) and crisis leadership in higher education (Harvard Kennedy School). DR. DAVID A. WELLS Dr. David A. Wells was initiated as a National Arts Associate by the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Appalachian State University in April. Bassoonist Dr. Wells has wide-ranging musical tastes, abilities, and experiences. Currently, he is engaged in historically- informed performances on period bassoons ranging from the 17th to the early 20th centuries, with groups including the Carmel Bach Festival, American Bach Soloists, Sinfonia Spirituosa, Sacramento Baroque Soloists, Aston Magna Festival, and Santa Cruz Baroque Festival. He is an adept performer on the modern bassoon and contrabassoon as well, equally at home with standard orchestral, chamber, and solo repertoire, plus demanding Distinguished Members

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