Inspirational Singers

The University of Arkansas Inspirational Singers is one of the most successful diversity initiatives at the University of Arkansas. It is also the longest running initiative of its kind and will be forever linked to its principle founder, Dr. Harry Budd who passed away on July 23, 2006.

The ensemble began in 1977 when Dr. Budd teamed with other administrators and students to start the ensemble. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Harry Budd went to Little Rock, Arkansas to attend Philander Smith College. He later attended the University of Arkansas where he received both his master’s degree and doctorate of education degree. At that time, black students sought a way to express themselves through their culture and the Inspirational Singers was an excellent vehicle for that purpose.

Dr. Budd eventually left Arkansas and went back to Pennsylvania where he took a job in the Modern Language Department at Slippery Rock University. While he was teaching there, Dr. Budd organized another gospel choir before retiring in 1997.