BOONE, N.C. — John Stanley Ross, the director of bands at Appalachian State University, resigned effective July 9 after a university investigation found a sustained pattern of alleged sexual misconduct, officials at the university announced on Thursday. The resignation followed a June 26 notice of intent from the university to discharge Ross from his employment.
The university launched its investigation in February 2026 after receiving an allegation of misconduct. Throughout the process, Ross remained on administrative leave and was barred from the campus. University officials stated they did not solicit the resignation and had intended to proceed with his discharge following a mandatory 14-day notice period.
Ross served as an associate professor of music and the director of bands in the Hayes School of Music, App State officials said.
He is also the Charlotte Pride Band artistic director, according to the Charlotte Pride Band webpage.
Channel 9 reached out to Charlotte Pride Band to see if Ross is still with the organization.
Charlotte Pride Band officials told Channel 9 that it “considers the safety, comfort, and well-being of our members our top priority. As such, we take the reports of Dr. Ross’ alleged behavior seriously. The Board of Directors has made the decision not to renew Dr. Ross’ contract when it expires at the end of this month. At this time, we are moving forward with Spencer Hinson acting as our interim Artistic Director.”
The 2026 App State investigation included a review of prior reports involving Ross. In 2015, a group of students reported allegations of sexual harassment that were not substantiated at the time. In 2018, a former Interlochen student informed the university that Ross had sexually harassed them during his previous employment at the arts center. University staff at the time connected that person with supportive resources but noted the allegations did not involve activity at Appalachian State or include university students.
Hired in 2006, he taught graduate and undergraduate students while supervising student teachers, officials said. He also acted as the adviser for the national band honorary fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi and worked with the university’s Cannon Music Camp. Before joining the Appalachian State faculty, Ross was employed by the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan from 1992 to 2000.
Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris addressed the separation in a statement to the campus community.
“The safety of our students, faculty and staff will always be our highest priority and a pattern of misconduct that violates the dignity and well-being of our community members is egregious and completely unacceptable,” Norris said. “When members of our community come forward to share their experiences, it takes courage. I want to emphasize that reporting concerns is vital to looking out for one another and to fostering safe and respectful campuses.”
University leaders and support staff are currently reaching out to impacted groups to provide access to confidential care resources.
The university released specific personnel information regarding Ross’s separation under North Carolina General Statutes section 126-24, stating the disclosure was essential to demonstrate that misconduct is not tolerated.
To report allegations of misconduct, the university directs individuals to the Office of Access and Opportunity: Equal Opportunity at 828-262-2144.
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
