2025 golden delight coaches & Support team

DIRECTOR OF BANDS

Dr. Kenneth G. Ruff is the Director of Bands for the NC A&T Blue and Gold Marching Machine. He is the driving force behind the success of the ensemble. Dr. Ruff lends his unwavering support towards Golden Delight and works to make sure the ladies are properly integrated into the field shows. He has an extensive knowledge of the craft and decades of experience in the world of HBCU bands. Dr. Ruff is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity and a host of professional organizations. He served as an assistant band director for many years before becoming Head Director in 2003. He is a graduate of NC A&T and received his doctorate from UNC-Greensboro. Dr. Ruff also once served as Head Drum Major for the Blue & Gold Marching Machine.

GOLDEN DELIGHT DIRECTOR & COACH

Coach Tiffany is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a 2002 graduate of NC A&T SU and recently earned her doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership.  She works closely with the Director of Bands to generate the overall vision, marketing and strategic direction of the ensemble. She is very hands-on with the day to day operations including uniform design, show design and choreography, web /social media presence and leadership development. She also serves on the BGMM show planning committee. Coach Tiffany marched on Golden Delight from 1997-1999, twirling flag.

Coach Tiffany is a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc., an active member of the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and several human resources and training professional organizations. She serves as an adjudicator across the eastern and southern parts of the country and mentors high school and collegiate band auxiliary advisors and coaches. She works for the City of Greensboro at the Deputy Director of Human Resources and is the owner/CEO of Shelton Development Solutions, LLC a Leadership Development and Coaching practice. Season 2025 is her 26th season on staff and 29th with the program.

GOLDEN DELIGHT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & COACH

Coach Tanika is a native of Greensboro, NC. She is a 1999 graduate of NC A&T State University in early childhood education. She worked with auxiliary units on both the high school and collegiate level. Coach Tanika marched on Golden Delight from 1994-1997, twirling baton.

Coach Tanika is currently the owner of a Tanika Dean & Co, a multi-faceted business operation including a dance/twirling studio, management of dancers for performances within professional artists in the industry and a flourishing events business. She serves as mentor to other up and coming entrepreneurs and has taken her pursuits to other states. 

With a multitude of community connections and affiliations, she is able to use her leverage to provide meaningful opportunities for both current and past squad members.  Coach Tanika is solely responsible for the dynamic, creative and skilled presentations from the baton twirlers of Golden Delight. Her expertise is integral in the field shows, feature dances, stands and overall image of the ensemble. 

She is a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc and the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Season 2025 is her 21st season on staff and 25th with the program.