Debra Atkinson received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music Education with Choral Emphasis from Delta State University. She received a Doctor of Arts in Music Education with Choral Emphasis from the University of Mississippi.
In 2006 she became Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music Education at Mississippi University for Women. In 2011 she became the Director of Choral Activities and Instructor of Music at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport. After retiring in May of 2021, she and her husband moved to Oxford to be closer to children and grandchildren.
Believing in community involvement, Debra has served as accompanist and choral director for numerous choral and theater groups throughout her career. In her hometown of Greenwood, she was musical director and accompanist for many Greenwood Little Theater productions. She was also director of a women’s community choir for 20 years. In Columbus, she was on the Board of the Columbus Girl Choir and the Columbus Arts Council. While on the Coast, she was the accompanist for the USM Gulf Coast Civic Chorale and musical director for Center Stage Theater.
After moving to Oxford, she was accompanist and director of the Oxford Children’s Chorus. She is an adjunct instructor in the music department at the University of Mississippi, as a collaborative pianist and class piano instructor.
Jayden Cox Collaborative Pianist
Jayden Cox is a collaborative pianist and organist serving in academic, church, and community music settings throughout Mississippi. In addition to his work with the Oxford Civic Chorus, he serves as a rehearsal accompanist for the University of Mississippi Concert Singers, University Chorus, and Men’s Glee under the direction of Dr. Donald Trott. Jayden is also the Music Ministry Intern at First Baptist Church Oxford, where he accompanies worship services and rehearsals as needed and assists in leading worship through the choir and praise team. Beyond his work in Oxford, he continues to serve his home church, Forest Baptist Church in Forest, Mississippi, as an assistant organist and pianist, accompanying regular services and special events. Jayden is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics at the University of Mississippi, with plans to attend law school. He is a Luckyday Scholar and a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Originally from Forest, Mississippi, Jayden graduated as valedictorian of Forest High School in 2025. During his time there, he was a member of the Pride of Forest Marching Band and Forest Symphonic Band, where he performed on French horn and in the front ensemble. He remains active as a collaborative pianist and organist and is committed to supporting choral and sacred music through service, leadership, and performance.
