National Council

Dr. Nicholas Rorrer (he/him)
Eta Beta Chapter, Virginia Tech
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DR. NICHOLAS (NIC) RORRER (he/him) is a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi from the Eta Beta chapter at Virginia Tech. Originally, Nic was initiated into the Eta Beta chapter at Virginia Tech on November 29, 2007. While at Virginia Tech, Nic was a member of the Baritone Section of the Marching Virginians and served as the Band’s Operations Officer from 2010 to 2011. Additionally, while Nic was an Active Member of the HB Chapter, he served as Chapter Secretary (2008), Chapter Vice President, (2009), and Chapter President (2010). He also served as the Northeast District Secretary-Treasurer from 2010-2011.

After graduating from Virginia Tech with his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering, Nic went on to the Colorado School of Mines to pursue his PhD in Chemical Engineering with a specialty in polymer science. While there, Nic started to work with the Xi Chapter of the Fraternity and eventually becoming their Chapter Sponsor in 2013, and has served as their Chapter Sponsor since then. Additionally, during his PhD, Nic became involved with the Midwest District Alumni Association, serving on their council for three years with two years as their President.

Immediately after graduating from the Colorado School of Mines, professionally Nic started as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory researching recycling and the synthesis of plastics from biomass. Nic has continued his employment at NREL ever since, eventually becoming a Senior Researcher (2020) at the lab. Fraternally, Nic began serving on the Fraternity’s Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2015 to 2021 and served as its Chair from 2019 to 2021. During Nic’s tenure as Chair of the AABOD, he, alongside the other directors, launched multiple programs and drafted the language for the 2021 National Constitution revision that officially recognizes the Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association.

Currently, Nic serves as a member of the Sponsor and Director of Bands task force, as a Midwest District Governor, and as a speaker for the Founders Circle program. In his free time, he can often be found wondering the Rocky Mountains either teaching yoga, snowboarding, or hanging out with his partner and dog. Further information on Nic can be found at narorrer.org

Marc Renaud (he/him)
Zeta Epsilon, Michigan State University
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Marc Renaud (he/him) is a Life Member of the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Michigan State University, where he was initiated in the Spring of 2007. During his time at Michigan State, Marc was an active member in the Spartan Marching Band as a Trumpet player. He also participated in the Spartan Brass. During the 2009 season, Marc served at the Marching Band President where he assisted the Directors and provided support to the members of the ensemble. Marc served the Zeta Epsilon Chapter as Corresponding Secretary in 2007-2008. In 2008 he was elected North Central District Vice President of Programs and then in 2009 he was elected President of the North Central District. In 2010, Marc was awarded the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions made to the organization.

After graduating from Michigan State, Marc became a World History and AVID teacher at Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center in the MSD of Wayne Township. In 2013 Marc was appointed Team Leader for the Key Academy; an interdisciplinary team of teachers who integrated AVID principles into their classrooms. In 2015 Marc pursued further education at the University of Indianapolis, and graduated in 2016 with an MBA in Educational Leadership. In 2017, Marc returned to fraternal leadership as a North Central District Governor.

In 2019, was promoted to the role of Assistant Principal at Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center until 2024. In the Fall of 2023 Marc was promoted to Principal of Chapel Hill 7th and 8th Grade Center and concluded his time at the Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center. Marc is currently in his seventh year as a North Central District Governor, actively engaging with the NCD Council and Chapters of the North Central District. Since 2011 Marc has also volunteered his time with Special Olympics of Indiana and has served as Competition Director and an Athlete Leadership University (ALU) instructor. Marc resides in Fishers, IN with his wife and two children. He enjoys supporting his children, especially out on the field during baseball and soccer seasons.

Arupa Gopal-Campbell (she/her)
Kappa Tau, University of South Florida
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ARUPA GOPAL-CAMPBELL (she/her) is honored to serve as National Vice President for Student Affairs of Kappa Kappa Psi. She is a Life Member of the Kappa Tau Chapter at the University of South Florida where she was initiated in the Spring of 2004. While active she served as Chapter President, Vice President of Membership, and represented the chapter as Delegate at District (serving as Chair of the Nominations Committee in 2006 and KKPsi Chair of the Convention Site Committee in 2007) and National conventions. She was also honored to be a member of the National Intercollegiate Band in 2005 and 2007.

As a student at USF Arupa participated in the Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, and served as Drum Major of the Herd of Thunder Marching Band. She also gave two recitals, performed in various intercollegiate bands, and was a Finalist in the USF Concerto Competition. Additionally, she served as Administrative Coordinator for Festival of Winds, an annual recruitment event bringing hundreds of  high school students from around the state to play in one of three ensembles, participate in masterclasses, and attend performances.

After she developed an interest in Arts Administration Arupa expanded her education into the College of Business and added an internship with The Florida Orchestra. She graduated in 2007 with a Dual Major in Music and Management and continued her journey at New York University where she attained a Master of Arts in Performing Arts Administration in 2009. While in New York she worked for the Brooklyn Philharmonic in both the Education and Production departments, Distinguished Concerts International New York as Executive Assistant and then Production Associate, and On Stage at Kingsborough as Company Manager. As she worked for an independent performing arts organization, a concert production company, and a performing arts center, she developed skills in the areas of event planning, programming, production, artist relations, marketing and outreach, development and fundraising, and general office management.

Upon returning to Tampa Arupa began working in the Dean’s Office of the College of the Arts at the University of South Florida. She reconnected with her home chapter and helped start the Tampa Bay Local Alumni Association. After a few years she explored new opportunities in the fraternity and served on the Chapter Officer Resources & Training Committee from 2017-2019, and was designated as Sponsor of the Kappa Tau Chapter in the Fall of 2018, a capacity in which she still currently serves. She was also appointed as Southeast District Governor in 2018 and served until 2024. Additionally, she was a member of the Centennial Alumni Band in Stillwater in 2019, served on the Sponsor & Director Task Force from 2021-2023, and holds Honorary Membership for the Southeast District and National Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, and the Southeast District of Tau Beta Sigma. In 2022 she was very excited to move from the Dean’s Office into working as Administrative Specialist in the USF School of Music where she engages students, faculty, and staff to accomplish their goals.

Aside from her fraternal and professional work, Arupa is Co-Chair of the USF Music Alumni Society where she spearheads planning events for Music Alumni throughout the year and has been serving in that capacity since 2008. She helps organize social events and service projects, including their biggest gathering at Homecoming each year culminating with the Alumni Band on the field at the game. Additionally, she is Operations Manager for the Florida Wind Band, a semi-professional wind ensemble serving the Tampa Bay Area. Along with coordinating logistics for a season of five full band concerts and several chamber performances each year, she also assists with planning for the youth bands made up of middle and high school students from around Hillsborough County.

Arupa enjoys reading, playing cozy games, exploring new foods and cultures, and spending time with her husband, Aaron, and their three cats Korra, Blake, and Cheddar.

JP Davis (he/him)
Zeta Chi, University of South Carolina
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JUSTYN “JP” DAVIS (he/him) is the Assistant Director of Bands at Mauldin High School in Greenville, South Carolina, currently in his eighth year of teaching. At Mauldin, JP has been instrumental in leading the concert ensembles to achieve multiple superior ratings at concert and contest performances. Notably, he helped the Wind Ensemble perform for the first time at the 2019 SCMEA Professional Development Conference. He also directs the Mauldin High School Marching Mav Band, guiding them to significant accomplishments, including becoming Bands of America Regional Finalists and earning multiple appearances at the SCBDA 5A State Marching Band Finals, with a program-best finish of fourth place.

JP holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Certificate of Performance from the University of South Carolina (2017) and a Master of Music Education from Florida State University (2022). During his time at USC, JP performed with all of the university’s concert ensembles, was a featured soloist with the USC Wind Ensemble, and served as Drum Major for the Carolina Band for three years. Additionally, he played saxophone with the university’s pep bands.

Professionally, JP is an active member of the National Association for Music Education, South Carolina Music Educator’s Association, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Within Kappa Kappa Psi, he has contributed as a member of the National Ritual Performance and Education Committee and currently serves as a Governor for the Southeast District. Passionate about leadership development, JP dedicates much of his time during school breaks to leading workshops and camps that inspire the next generation of musicians and leaders.

Dr. William L. Lake, Jr. (he/him)
Gamma Xi, University of Maryland
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DR. WILLIAM L. LAKE, JR. (he/him) is the newly appointed Director of Concert Bands at the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music at George Mason University for the upcoming academic year. In this role, he will conduct the George Mason University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. He will also teach conducting and wind literature classes.

Before his tenure at George Mason University, Dr. William L. Lake, Jr., served as Associate Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education at the Crane School of Music (SUNY-Potsdam), where he was co-conductor of the Northern Symphonic Winds, principal conductor of the Crane Concert Band, and guest conductor of the Crane Wind Ensemble. In addition to these responsibilities, Dr. Lake taught undergraduate conducting, Secondary Wind Practices, Wind Literature, and the preservice Practicum in Beginning Instruments Course.

Dr. Lake earned his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Instrumental Conducting from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro under the mentorship of Drs. John R. Locke and Kevin Geraldi. As a graduate student, he was the principal conductor of The University of North Carolina University Band and guest conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Casella Sinfonietta Chamber Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Lake is the recipient of two master’s degrees, the first from Boston University in Music Education (2011) and the second from the University of Maryland, College Park in Wind Conducting (2014) under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Votta, Jr. In May 2006, Dr. Lake received a Bachelor of Music Liberal Arts -Jazz Studies Piano Performance Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park as a student of Jon Ozment and Christopher Vadala.

Dr. Lake maintains an active performance and clinic schedule as a guest conductor and lecturer throughout the country. He was a finalist for the 2017-2018 Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music and the Band Conducting Division of the American Prize. Recently, Dr. Lake served as a collaborating author for two books, Teaching Instrumental Music: Perspectives and Pedagogies for the 21st Century (Oxford University Press) and Music Education on the Verge: Stories of Pandemic Teaching and Transformative Change (Lexington Books), both to be published in 2022.

As a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Lake is the co-founder of I See You: Affirming Representation in Music. In this capacity, Dr. Lake has presented over twenty seminars across the United States on inclusive practices in music education and performance. With co-founder Dr. LaToya A. Webb, Dr. Lake has been invited to present on diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts and practices at the 2021 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the 2021 Virginia Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference, the 2022 Texas Music Educators Association Conference, the 2021 National Association for Music Education National Conference and the 2022 National Association for Music Education Music Leaders Forum.

Dr. Lake is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi (Gamma Xi), National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., Pi Kappa Lambda, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is also honored with membership in Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc. (Beta Eta), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Bang T. Co (he/him)
Alpha Zeta Chapter, Indiana University
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BANG T. CO (he/him) is currently the 49th National President of Kappa Kappa Psi, having been unanimously elected at the 2023 National Convention in Orlando, FL, marking his distinction as the first Asian American Brother to assume this role. Throughout his presidency, Bang’s vision for the 2023-2025 biennium is centered around the theme of “THE KAPPA KAPPA PSI JOURNEY.” The logo uniquely highlights “OUR” in JOURNEY, symbolizing both individual and collective paths on The Road to Wisdom. This concept encourages Brothers to honor our past, celebrate our present, and strive for a better future. Bang has spearheaded initiatives like the reintroduction of the “Strive for Five” and the institution of “Months of Focus,” which include National Months of Service, Musicianship, Leadership, Brotherhood, and Celebration, thereby fostering a growth-focused experience leading to the 2025 National Convention in Lexington, KY.

Since his initiation into the Alpha Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Indiana University in 2012, Bang has held numerous significant roles within the fraternity. As an alumnus, he started his leadership journey as a curriculum advisor and then advanced to become the chair of the North Central District Alumni Association (NCDAA). He was a Speaker for the Founders’ Circle Leadership Development Program and served as the National Vice President for Student Affairs (NVPSA) during the 2019-2021 biennium, followed by his role as the National Vice President for Membership & Expansion (NVPME) during the 2021-2023 biennium. In addition to these roles, Bang has been honored with several awards, including the prestigious J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award in 2016, recognizing his dedication and impact within the fraternity.

Bang earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Indiana University in 2014 and 2016, respectively, and complemented his education with a Certificate in Non-Profit Executive Management from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. His involvement at IU extended beyond academics into the Marching Hundred, where he served as Drum Major and Piccolo Section Leader, earning several recognitions, including the “Most Outstanding Band Member” award. In 2024, he was proud to receive the Newell Hillis Long Award at the IU Homecoming, awarded to alumni who exemplify the highest professional standards.

Professionally, Bang is the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations & Individual Gifts at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He is also a board member and fundraising chair for The Musicianship in the DC Metro area and has recently taken on a board member role with the IU API Alumni Association. Additionally, he serves as one of the Assistant Directors of the Crossroads Drum Major & Leadership Clinic, where he has been on staff since 2013 and has spent the past few years as a Leadership Clinician. These roles reflect his ongoing commitment to education, community involvement, and leadership.

Outside his professional and fraternal duties, Bang’s life is filled with travel, music, and cultural exploration. He loves discovering new bookshops, visiting temples worldwide, attending concerts and cultural events, and enjoying meals like hotpot and KBBQ with friends and family. A proud KPOP fan, particularly as an original ARMY of BTS, he celebrates his heritage through food, language, music, and fashion. At home, he’s a devoted dog dad to Lilo, Lily, and Louis, who are his joy and companionship.

Evan Thompson (he/him)
Zeta Chi Chapter, University of South Carolina
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EVAN L. THOMPSON (he/him), from the University of South Carolina, was elected the 46th National President of Kappa Kappa Psi at the 49th Biennial Convention in Orlando, Florida. He previously served the fraternity as National Vice President for Colonization & Membership (2015-2017), Southeast District Governor (2012-2015), and National Chapter Field Representative (2010-2012). After his term as National President, he served from 2019-2021 as Immediate Past National President and member of the Board of Trustees. Evan was elected to the Board of Trustees for the 2023-2027 term at the 2023 National Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Evan graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Music Degree with emphasis in Instrumental Music Education in 2009 and Western Governors University with a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership in 2016. Professionally, Evan is the Music Teacher and Related Arts Team Leader at Pelion Elementary School in Lexington County School District One where he was named Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year. His experience also includes seven years of successful teaching in Sumter School District in Sumter, South Carolina.

Throughout his service on the National Leadership Team, Evan has been actively engaged in developing and supporting programs that enhance the active member experience and advance our mission to college bands. Evan was a co-author of The Road to Wisdom Membership Education Program and served as a member of the Curriculum Development Committee from 2013-2017. The program was launched in 2017 and is now in its fourth biennium of implementation across the country. Evan appointed and oversaw the work of the Ritual Performance & Education Committee as they completed edits and revisions to the Ritual & Ceremonies and launched The Inner Circle curriculum at the 2019 National Convention. He was part of a team that envisioned and developed what is now The Founders’ Circle Leadership Development Program. This program includes a speaker series for district and national events and online resources and curriculum for self-paced development.

Evan presided over the 50th Biennial Convention on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. During the convention, the fraternity’s Centennial was celebrated with a special commission by composer Kevin Walczyk entitled Centurial Exultation. The piece was performed by the Centennial Alumni Band conducted by Oklahoma State University’s Director of Bands, Dr. Joseph P. Missal. The Centennial Celebration included guided tours of campus, National Headquarters, and Fairlawn Cemetery in addition to a special program near the Shrine to commemorate 100 years of leadership and service to college bands. The National Intercollegiate Band was conducted by Professor Jerry Junkin and premiered the commissioned work Fanfares for Friends by composer Joel Puckett.

Evan is a proud Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

Brittany Biberston (she/her)
Kappa Beta Chapter, Clemson University
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Brittany Biberston (she/her) is a Life Member of the Kappa Beta chapter at Clemson University