News: November 14, 2025

Dear Members and Friends:

As some of you may have heard, Dr. Jolie Rocke resigned her position as Director of Music & Arts, effective November 10, 2025, with a stated reason of “the need for time & space to focus on restoring balance in her life”. Dr. Rocke also shared, “It has been a privilege to work alongside each of you as we serve the congregation and community at First UU…This congregation has been a true home, and I will carry that with me always.”

Many of you likely knew that Dr. Rocke was planning on stepping down as of December 31, 2025, to pursue opportunities at Prairie View A&M University, where she serves as Lecturer II of Music (Voice). I am disappointed about the immediate nature of her resignation because it will prevent a celebration of her time with us. Nonetheless, I hope you will join me in sending her best wishes for her continuing success. To that end, we will have a thank you card in Channing Hall on Sunday for you to sign and share with her your gratitude for her years of service with First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston.

Transition for the Director of Music & Arts position was already underway when Dr. Rocke stepped down. We have constituted a search team consisting of myself, Board member George John, Thorpe Butler, Georgette Dredge, Prill McAfee, and Brandon Young. We should be on track to hire someone to start with the new year.

In the meantime, Brandon Young has graciously agreed to work with the choir. Some of you may know him and his family as people who have been regularly attending First Unitarian Universalist Church for close to a decade. What you might not know is that in a previous career, Brandon was a church Music Director. We are incredibly grateful for his talents and willingness to assist our music program at this time.

I will be meeting with the Arts Team in the upcoming weeks to discuss what support they may need in the interim. In the meantime, I am confident that between Chelsea, Brandon, and our Music Intern, Savannah, the music program will be in good hands until the new Director of Music & Arts has been hired.

Transitions are never easy. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.

love,

Colin