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For more than a decade, Andrew Robinette has helped shape the voices of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students. Beginning this fall, he will lead the next chapter of the university's choral program.

Robinette has been named the Paul E. and Doris J. Moriarty Endowed Professor of Choral Activities in the School of Performing Arts, succeeding faculty member Laura Diddle following her retirement.

Endowed positions carry the highest honor the university can bestow upon a faculty or staff member. The Paul E. and Doris J. Moriarty Endowed Professor of Choral Activities marked the first of its kind in the School of Performing Arts, with Diddle serving as the inaugural holder. As her successor, Robinette now represents one of 69 endowed positions at South Dakota State.

"Dr. Andrew Robinette brings to this appointment a profound understanding of the history and traditions that define choral music at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ," said David Reynolds, director of the School of Performing Arts. "I am confident he will shape the artistic profile of the choral program with respect for its legacy and a compelling vision for its future."

Currently a professor of music and associate director of choral activities, Robinette joined SDSU in 2013 as an assistant professor. Over the past 13 years, he has become a familiar presence in the School of Performing Arts while teaching, mentoring students and contributing to the university and broader choral profession.

"This university and this state have become my home," Robinette said. "Prior to 2013, I had lived up and down the East Coast, but I have completely become a Jackrabbit."

His connection to SDSU began before he ever stepped foot on campus. While pursuing graduate studies at the University of South Carolina, Robinette learned about SDSU through a fellow graduate student who had studied under Diddle.

"She spoke very highly of the school and thought I would be a great fit," Robinette recalled. "During my interview, the faculty and staff were kind, and I could really see myself working well with Laura Diddle and Emily Toronto, my voice colleagues. The students were hardworking, respectful and grounded, and that was exciting."

Those impressions have only grown stronger over time.

"SDSU has the resources of the Division I school that we are, but it is still a size that feels familiar and warm," he said. "The energy, the incredible facilities, my close friendships with colleagues and my relationships with students are all things I cherish."

Robinette currently represents the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, Scholarship and Creative Activity Committee, serves on the Youth Camps Work Group and the School of Performing Arts Recruitment and Retention Committee, and advises the student chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

Nationally, he serves on the editorial board for The Choral Scholar and American Choral Review and is the Repertoire and Resource Chair for Church and Community Choirs for the South Dakota chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. His community involvement has included serving on the music staffs of First Lutheran Church in Brookings and Hope Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

As he prepares to assume leadership of SDSU's choral program, Robinette said he is especially excited about directing the SDSU Concert Choir and overseeing the university's choral area.

"I am excited for several things, but the two that stand out the most are directing the SDSU Concert Choir and overseeing the entire choral program at South Dakota State as the director of the area," he said.

Robinette credits many people for helping shape his path, beginning with his family.

"In everything I do, my family is the most influential force in my life," he said. "I am so grateful to my wife Julie, my parents and my brother, who have always supported and inspired me."

He also points to several influential teachers and mentors throughout his career, including Larry Wyatt, who served as a conducting professor to both Robinette and Diddle at the University of South Carolina.

Since arriving at SDSU, however, no influence has been greater than the colleague he now succeeds.

"Nothing could have prepared me better for this role than working side by side with Laura these past 13 years," Robinette said. "I have learned so much from her and appreciate her support and friendship dearly."

He expressed gratitude for Diddle's leadership and lasting impact on the university.

"There is no way to summarize how much I appreciate her and loved being her colleague and friend," he said. "I am so happy for Laura and her husband, Brian. I hope they can appreciate all they have accomplished and enjoy this next chapter even more!"

As Robinette steps into the Moriarty Endowed Professorship, he sees his new role as an opportunity to continue serving students and communities across South Dakota.

"I would thank the community for all the support and kindness they have shown me since I moved to South Dakota and began teaching at SDSU," he said. "I have felt completely embraced by the university, alumni, Brookings and Sioux Falls communities and people across South Dakota. It has truly been humbling."

"I have so much gratitude, and I will always work hard to serve and represent our community as best I possibly can."