JTC 25: Grit and Grace Lead to Graduation

The path to graduation is not always a straight line. For one aspiring music educator, the journey took him through financial strain, a career shift and self-discovery that ultimately led him to the University of Mississippi, where he graduates in May.

Eric Harper, a Southaven native, began his college journey at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, in the fall of 2015 as a music education major.

The strain of working a full-time job while simultaneously attending college full time eventually led to exhaustion. After five semesters, he made the difficult decision to leave school, unsure if music education was his purpose.

Harper returned home to his high school job at Domino’s Pizza, where he worked his way up the ranks from customer service representative all the way to general manager. The experience helped him grow both personally and professionally, learning effective leadership skills and developing the ability to adapt quickly.

Throughout this time, he never lost his love for music, continuing to write music and play his saxophone.

In 2023 he decided to return to college. With plans to be a band director, Harper came to Ole Miss and enrolled in the music education degree program.

Despite an adjustment period, he soon found camaraderie with fellow musicians Justin Morgan and Bobby Onsby while immersing himself in music once again, performing with The Collegians Jazz Ensemble, the UM Wind Ensemble, saxophone quartets and as a soloist.

“I pretty much just picked up where I left off, as if I’d never left at all,” Harper said. “Ole Miss made that process quite smooth.”

Harper was a “model student,” said Thomas Peattie, associate professor of musicology.

“His commitment, dedication and seriousness of purpose were always on display,” Peattie said. “(He was) a true joy to teach.”

Harper’s wife, Loggan, whom he married in December 2020, has been a cornerstone of support, encouraging him along the way. In 2023 the couple welcomed their first daughter.

“Becoming a dad is literally the best thing that has ever happened to me, bar none,” he said.

With the help of his in-laws, who care for their daughter while Harper attends school and his wife works, he has been able to stay focused on his goals.

Harper also attributes his success to his faith in God and support from his church.

“We are very thankful for our church family at Oxford Church of Christ,” he said. “God had his hand in every major life decision.

"He showed up in a powerful way for our family during this challenging season of our lives. We are forever grateful for his goodness and grace.”

Another milestone came when he and his saxophone quartet, including Onsby, Morgan and Marcus Jones, traveled to Fairfax, Virginia, where they performed “Thunderstorm,” a piece he composed.

The trip, which included navigating a winter storm on the way home, was both a challenge and a bonding experience for the four musicians. Harper has dabbled with writing music since high school, but this was the first time one of his compositions was performed live.

“Eric’s story is one of maturation and grit,” said Adam Estes, associate professor of music. “The work he has done in the saxophone studio as a soloist and as a chamber musician is noteworthy.

“I am incredibly proud of Eric as student and person, and the music education field will be stronger with him leading a program soon.” 

While graduate school remains a possibility, Harper plans to step into the role of a band director after graduation. He and his wife are expecting their second child in August.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life,” he said. “Sharing my love for music, and teaching others to love it as much as I did sounded like a natural progression for my career.”

Top: After stepping away from college, Eric Harper returned years later to complete his music education degree, all while balancing fatherhood, composing music, and reigniting his dream of becoming a band director. His journey is one of grit, growth and a deep love for music. Submitted photo

See more photos from Eric Harper's Journey to Commencement