Before coming to Eau Claire, Dr. Dickerson spent 6 years as Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Illinois. There he coordinated student and curricular affairs for the School of Music, Department of Theatre, Department of Dance, and the Art Education Division. During his seven years as a high school band director in Mississippi and Washington, Dr. Dickerson's ensembles were consistently rated superior and amassed awards from many festivals in the U.S. and Canada.