By Jon M. Heatherly
Co-Editor-in-Chief
The New Exponent strives to spotlight outstanding members of both the Tennessee Wesleyan faculty/staff and members of the student body. As a newspaper staffer, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Douglas H. Manley. Commonly known for his humor and charisma, he was kind enough both to spare some of his time and share a bit of his back-story.
HEATHERLY: First of all, I heard that you recently had a promotion. Do tell.
MANLEY: I am honored to now be serving as Chair of the Department of Fine Arts here at Wesleyan. Like the other chairs, I help coordinate the department schedule, course offerings, budgets, and the like, for the department. It is a pleasure to serve with such a fine faculty here in the fine arts.
HEATHERLY: What are some of your current responsibilities besides being Chair of the Department of Fine Arts?
MANLEY: In addition to my serving here at the college, I serve as director of music and organist at both Keith Memorial United Methodist Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, both here in Athens. I also accompany the Monroe County Opera and Consort, and, the Athens Area Community Chorus.
HEATHERLY: Where did you find your inspiration and drive to become a musician?
MANLEY: This is quite simple; it is what inspires all artists, if you will, and that is the love of the art. Coupled with that love is an understanding of the reward of hard work — there is light at the end of the hours of practice, research, and continued performing and the like.
HEATHERLY: Where are you from, and where have you attended school?
MANLEY: I grew up in Cleveland, Tennessee, and was graduated from Bradley Central High School. I studied at several schools, including Carson-Newman College, the University of Louisville, and the University of Cincinnati.
HEATHERLY: Describe the progression of your career aspirations.
MANLEY: Through my career now, I am doing what I always wanted to do: serve a fulltime professorship, and, serve as a choirmaster/organist at a church. I started playing piano when I was in first grade, and the goals, then, came along the way as I knew being a professional musician would be the career for me.
HEATHERLY: What keeps you busy when away from Tennessee Wesleyan?
MANLEY: In addition to my serving here at the college, I serve as director of music and organist at both Keith Memorial United Methodist Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, both here in Athens. I also accompany the Monroe County Opera and Consort, and, the Athens Area Community Chorus. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 10-year old niece, Bethany; she, as an aspiring musician and dancer, is the next Dr. Manley!
HEATHERLY: Any final comments?
MANLEY: It is a pleasure to be a part of the Wesleyan family, and, to be a part of the Athens and regional communities through my various performing venues. I hope to see both the fine arts department and the college continue to flourish, and, have an impact in the arts in this area and beyond.
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As stated by the man, himself, Dr. Manley is quite a busy person. Having witnessed his talent firsthand, I think it’s important for anyone interested in the arts to go to one of his performances. The strenuous work schedule to which he abides almost suggests a talent of being in more than one place at once, or maybe he’s just that talented at maintaining both his professional and personal ventures.
If you are interested in hearing Dr. Douglas Manley perform, you can find him at Keith UMC, TWC Choir/Chorale performances, The Monroe County Opera, etc. – basically anywhere that has some sort of console and a means by which to amplify his music. At least go say hello to the fellow; he’s the first door on the left when you enter the Music Department entrance of Sherman Hall.
