Greg Fant is currently an emeritus professor at New Mexico State University after serving 30 years. From 2011 until 2020, he served NMSU as Associate Vice President and Deputy Provost. His responsibilities included oversight of the Teaching Academy, NMSU’s Albuquerque Center, the “Instruction Innovation and Quality” distance education unit, and Human Resource Services. Additionally, he coordinated academic programs among the system’s four community colleges, served as chair of the General Education Course committee, and led various task forces for executive administration including interim oversight of the campus diversity units. During his tenure at NMSU, he also served as Interim Dean, Associate Dean, and Assistant Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the Academic Department Head of Music.
He joined the faculty at NMSU in 1990 as Associate Director of Bands responsible for the University’s “Pride” Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Roadrunner Revue Pep Band and taught courses in Instrumental Music Education. Under his direction, the Pride Marching Band made nine recordings, performed exhibition shows at numerous marching festivals, professional football, and performed for the Prince of Monaco. His articles have appeared in the New Mexico Musician and the Music Educators Journal.
An advocate for Music Education, throughout his career Dr. Fant has presented clinics for a wide variety of school groups as well as adjudicating numerous band festivals. He has served as President of the New Mexico Music Educators Association and has written grants to support the All State Music Conference. His work as NMSU Music Department Head included grant funding from New Mexico Arts for a Jazz Outreach Tour and an educational outreach tour to small communities in New Mexico entitled “For New Mexicans by New Mexicans.” He also volunteered his time for the New Mexico Lions clubs by forming a statewide ensemble each year from 1997-2007. Under his direction, the New Mexico Lions Honor Band traveled to three International Conventions.
A 1984 recipient of the Mississippi Bandmasters Association’s “Outstanding Young Band Director” Award, Dr. Fant was also honored with the “Patricia Christmore Excellence in Teaching Award” at New Mexico State and toward the end of the 2019-2020 academic year was recognized by the NMSU Faculty Senate for his dedication to the students and faculty across the NMSU system.
Dr. Fant is a member of Music Educator’s National Conference, New Mexico Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Beta Mu. Prior to retirement, he served as music director for Mission Lutheran Church in Las Cruces. Currently he is a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, guest conductor for the Highlands Ranch Concert Band, and a musician at Our Father Lutheran Church in Colorado.
