Sparky Koerner ('76 M.M.Ed.), Texas City :: is in his 27th year at College of the Mainland, where he is chair of fine arts and director of instrumental studies. He coordinates TMEA High School All State Jazz Ensemble auditions and is president of the Texas Jazz Educators Association. He says his time at UNT prepared him “to carry out the important message of music education and especially jazz education” over the years.