The U.S. Naval Academy enjoys a large number of long-tenured faculty and staff. It’s a unique working environment, and the shared mission to help the midshipmen generates a special pride and camaraderie that is hard to match. The Academy considers itself very fortunate to have retained such excellent talent over the years, and it’s helped them become the world-class institution they are today. Here, we recognize the tireless efforts of one such employee, Stephanie Woodall. After dedicating almost forty years to her career here at USNA, Woodall is embarking on a well-deserved retirement. She’ll help transition her role as music department coordinator at the USNA Musical Activities Department over the next few months, but officially finished her tenure in December.
A Temporary Position at First
Woodall applied to the federal registry two years after graduating from college, and began working at the Naval Academy. She recalls it clearly now, “I interviewed with Dr. John Barry Talley, the USNA Director of Musical Activities. I remember Dr. Talley saying there would be ‘slow times,’ but that I would be working in one of the best departments at USNA.” This would turn out to be true for Woodall! She started in October of 1984 and has worked there ever since. When she came aboard, the position had been a temporary role, with a temporarily assigned ensign working in the office during the summers. The music director would manage administrative duties between the relatively constant demands of rehearsals and performances.
Woodall notes how the job has evolved greatly over the years, “I was a secretary/receptionist before cell phones, computers and the Internet, using carbon paper in a typewriter!” My, how things have changed. The current department is up-to-the-minute, equipped with technology unimaginable when she first started. Woodall liked the job from the start. She enjoyed learning the ropes of government work and how to complete forms like travel orders, purchase orders, and naval correspondence. At the time, the music department was housed in Mitscher Hall, next to the Chaplains' Center. In 1992, it was moved to Alumni Hall, gaining much-needed practice rooms with pianos. This was a huge improvement as the department evolved to meet the needs of the musicians and the USNA community.
Growing With the Department
Woodall’s position soon became permanent, and she credits Dr. Talley as being instrumental in making this happen. Within a decade of service, she had earned two promotions and embraced an ever-increasing list of responsibilities. Over the years, her role expanded to include logistics for the growing USNA music events, concert tours, guest artists, the Distinguished Artists Series, midshipmen Instrumental Ensembles, and the Gospel Choir, as well as administration of chapel vocalists and musicians. Working closely with the musicians was incredibly inspiring, and Woodall was thrilled to have that opportunity. She explains, “I am so grateful for the education I received in music appreciation. I learned so much about music from working with gifted, talented artistic directors like Dr. Talley, Monte Maxwell, Dr. Aaron Smith, Jeanne Kelly, Jim Turk, Cindy Bauchspies, and Brian Hissong. The passion to bring out the best through music is prevalent here.”
The Power of Music
Beyond the music department, Woodall felt honored to be a part of the larger USNA community. “USNA is an incredible place to work!” she says. “The midshipmen dedicate themselves to training to be leaders in the Navy and the Marine Corps. They give up civilian college life for military discipline. The music department is unique within USNA as the midshipmen sacrifice more to participate in musical ensembles.” In fact, she says, the alumni involved in musical activities at USNA often recount how much they value their past experiences from those USNA music ensembles. “Musical activities provide midshipmen with a valuable source of nurturing their love of music in their lives,” says Woodall. “Participation in USNA musical activities provides midshipmen with growth in leadership and the bonds of being part of an ensemble.” Midshipmen are always part of a team, and music brings them even closer together, providing them with powerful chances to grow together.
Not only does the music department play a special role in the lives of the midshipmen, but it radiates to the entire USNA community and into the Annapolis community, drawing people to their numerous shows and concerts. Their performances are varied and nuanced—extremely professional and always inspiring. “I have seen the impact on audiences by the midshipmen performances—they move people emotionally, universally,” notes Woodall. It’s an organization that gets at the heart of what it means to work together as midshipmen and serve the greater community.
Continuing Her Passions
As she looks to her next role, Woodall is looking forward to family life. “In retirement, I am blessed with having family living in Annapolis and I can spend more time with them,” she says. “I will visit often and see former colleagues at performances. I am looking forward to that. Thank you all!” she says. Thank you, Stephanie Woodall. We are grateful for your almost forty years of honorable service, and look forward to welcoming you back home in the future. USNA is a special place because of special people like you.
Experience USNA Music
Want to support the USNA Musical Activities Department? When you attend a play, concert, or other event, your purchase directly benefits the midshipmen by helping to fund extracurricular activities like cultural arts, music, theater, and club sports, among other programs. We encourage you to experience the incredible music made here. It brings the entire community together—and moves us all together.
