Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi,
It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of one of our beloved Brothers and past National Vice Presidents for Professional Relations, Dr. Douglas F. Stotter. As we come together in remembrance, we celebrate his incredible life, his service to Kappa Kappa Psi, and his lasting impact on the world of music and bands.
Dr. Douglas F. Stotter’s (Life Member of the Nu Chapter) career was a shining example of excellence, leadership, and love for music. He served for 20 years as Director of Bands and Coordinator of the Wind and Percussion Division at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he inspired countless students through his teaching, mentorship, and musicianship. His influence extended far beyond Texas, as he conducted and taught across the United States and internationally in China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Within Kappa Kappa Psi, Dr. Stotter served faithfully as our National Vice President for Professional Relations from 2015 to 2019. His leadership was instrumental in coordinating two National Intercollegiate Bands and strengthening the bonds between our Fraternity and the greater band community. Dr. Stotter led with humility, consistency, and a deep compassion for people. He was a true advocate for the ideals of musicianship, leadership, and service, and above all, he was a cherished friend and mentor to so many.
To help honor Dr. Stotter’s memory in a way that words alone cannot fully capture, I have asked Past National President Dr. Jack Lee to share some of his personal experiences and reflections:
I can vividly remember my first interaction with Dr. Stotter. He came to the University of Texas at Arlington in the Spring of 2005 as part of a search for a new director of bands. I quickly realized how privileged I was to learn from Dr. Stotter.
To play in his ensemble was a commitment. A commitment to you and for him. He approached every rehearsal with the ambition of it being performance worthy. If you were lucky enough to be a part of his ensemble, you knew that preparation was a part of who Dr. Stotter was. He believed it was his duty as a teacher to remind you that “every rehearsal is a performance,” a phrase often repeated in Dr. Stotter’s rehearsals. Through his high expectations, we created some of the most beautiful musical moments.
As I finished my Bachelor’s Degree, I was unbelievably fortunate to be offered a position as Dr. Stotter’s Graduate Teaching Assistant. I learned more in those two years than I can ever possibly put into words. Yet it wasn’t the music lessons that truly meant the most. It was the time we spent together; it was about the fellowship we shared as he instilled lessons about musicianship and life. Dr. Stotter went from being my teacher, to my colleague, to my friend, and to part of my family.
In 2015, I was blessed to be elected the 45th National President of Kappa Kappa Psi. At that convention, I introduced Dr. Stotter as the incoming National Vice President for Professional Relations – a position he held for four years. In my remarks, I stated, “I am confident that Dr. Stotter’s skill set will be a valuable resource to continuing the important relationship between our Fraternity and College and University Bands.” If there is one decision that I believe I got right, it was appointing him as our National VPPR. He was a staunch advocate for college and university band programs, and he was the consummate professional. We are a better Fraternity because of his service.
It took me many years to finally call him Doug instead of Dr. Stotter. That’s the level of respect I had for him, and the respect he earned. As I reflect on the many memories we shared, I’ve come to realize that Doug was the true embodiment of love. That’s likely what the Nu Chapter saw in him those many years ago when he was first embraced as a Brother. That’s what I saw all these years as he used his precious gift of music. He loved you so much, he wanted you to be nothing less than the best you could be.
The world is a little less bright without Doug in it. I miss my mentor. I love and miss my friend. Thank you, Doug, for being the great person you were, and for making my life so rich by having you in it. AEA.
– Dr. Jack Lee, Past National President, Kappa Kappa Psi
To share remembrances, photographs, or notes of gratitude with the National Chapter, please use the following form: www.kkpsi.org/remembrances. If you plan to share your memories via social media, please include the hashtag #KappaKappaPsiRemembers.
As we grieve this loss, let us also give thanks for the extraordinary legacy Dr. Stotter leaves behind—a legacy of music, mentorship, humility, and friendship. May we honor his memory by carrying forward his spirit in our lives, our music, and our service to others.
In Brotherhood,
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