Pamplin’s Isaac Brinberg named to ‘Georgia Trend’ 40 Under 40

Isaac Brinberg, DMA, assistant professor of music in Augusta University’s Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences has been selected for Georgia Trend‘s 2025 40 Under 40 list.

Brinberg is in the company of some of the best and brightest young professionals across the state who are making significant contributions to their professions while giving back to their communities and championing causes important to them. The 40 Under 40 honor comes on the heels of him being included in Augusta Magazine’s 2025 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch back in May.

“None of this would have been possible without immense support from my family, my amazing wife, Jennifer, leadership and colleagues at Augusta University, the many music educators in our community and participating in several service organizations,” Brinberg said, calling the recognition an incredible honor. “Being part of two cohorts of people who work tirelessly making a positive impact on their communities deeply inspires me in my role at Augusta University and with service groups throughout the CSRA.”

AU is always top of mind for Brinberg whether he is in the community sharing about the life-changing, life-saving work that happens across campus, visiting school band programs or presenting at professional conferences.

“I have seen firsthand how our students’ lives are transformed by the opportunities and environment available to them and know there is even more we can do for our students to foster their success here and for their lifetime,” he said.

Brinberg moved to Augusta in 2023 to take on his current role as assistant professor in the Department of Music and director of the Wind Ensemble. He has immersed himself in the community, which has made Augusta feel like home for him.

Brinberg is co-membership chair of the Young Professionals of Augusta, membership chair of the Rotary Club of Columbia County and a Freemason with Webb Lodge No. 166 and the Scottish Rite, Valley of Augusta.

His rapid success at AU is evident through initiatives like starting the Augusta University Concert Band Festival and helping bring the Georgia Music Educators Association District 10 Honor Band event to campus. The momentum wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of Angela Morgan, DM, chair of the Department of Music, and Kim Davies, PhD, dean of Pamplin College.

“Isaac Brinberg is a relatively new professor at Augusta University, but he is already making a big impact,” said Davies, who is delighted to have Brinberg as a member of her faculty.  “His commitment to student success and his extensive community involvement demonstrate a genuine passion, not just to his discipline but to our community.”

Brinberg has spearheaded much of the musical entertainment for special events at Augusta University, including the AU Wind Ensemble’s performance at the Veterans Day Celebration and ceremonial music at recent commencement ceremonies.

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce team prepared and submitted his nomination to Georgia Trend for 40 Under 40, for which he is grateful. Brinberg’s banner year of accolades has provided numerous and dynamic networking opportunities throughout Georgia.

“Attending the recognition event in Atlanta with Jen and my mom was a true highlight of the fall semester,” Brinberg said. “The guest speaker, Kwame Johnson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, shared his profound life story and hearing each recipient’s accomplishments and work fostered strong hope and optimism for our future.”

Brinberg’s drive and personal successes are AU’s gains. The possibilities ahead are limitless.

“My long-term dream is to continue growing the Augusta University Department of Music into a powerhouse program through relentless pursuit of artistry, lifelong support and professional development for our Music alumni, close collaboration with the incredible faculty and support across campus and in the community,” he said. “I want to develop workshops and other opportunities for our in-service music educators to further their professional development at an affordable price with the convenience of location and strength of resources.”