Dr. Dyann Ryans

Dr. Dyann Ryans is recognized as a distinguished music educator and military musician whose teaching career has spanned all educational levels from kindergarten through college.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ryans has demonstrated a commitment to advancing music education. One of her notable achievements was founding the first marching band program at Stillman College, an initiative that expanded the college’s musical offerings and provided students with new opportunities for artistic development.

Dr. Ryans served as a musician in the U.S. Marine Corps, where she performed both the clarinet and saxophone. Her military career reached a historic milestone when she became the first African American woman to command a military band, leading the 116th Army Band in Atlanta, Georgia.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Stillman College and a Master of Music Education from Jackson State University. Dr. Ryans furthered her musical expertise through studies at the United States Naval School of Music and the United States Military Academy. She also received private instruction from Steven Cohen, former principal clarinetist with the New Orleans Symphony. In addition to her extensive music training, Dr. Ryans earned a doctorate in higher education administration from Argosy University in Sarasota.

Now retired from teaching, Dr. Dyann Ryans continues to contribute to the arts as a board member of the Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy, located in Mobile, Alabama.