Anthony Pursell serves Kansas State University as the Assistant Director of Bands. In this capacity, he serves as the Assistant Director of the Wildcat Marching Band, the director of the Concert Band, and the director and coordinator of the Athletic Pep Bands. In addition to his ensemble responsibilities, Dr. Pursell teaches various undergraduate and graduate music classes.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Pursell taught high school marching band, jazz band, concert band and fine arts for six years in Louisiana before moving to Indiana where he served as an assistant in the Department of Bands at Ball State University. He also served a one-year appointment on the faculty at Northern Illinois University as the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands. Dr. Pursell holds the Doctor of Arts degree from Ball State University (Instrumental Conducting and Music Education), and the Master of Music Education and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Loyola University (New Orleans, LA).

Dr. Pursell has participated in conducting clinics with such notable conductors as Eugene Corporon, H. Robert Reynolds, Jack Stamp, Dennis Fisher and James Ogle. He has studied conducting extensively with Joseph Hebert, Joseph Scagnoli and Christian Zembower. Dr. Pursell has served as an adjudicator, conductor, and clinician for marching bands and concert bands throughout the United States. He continues to be in demand as a halftime show writer, arranger, conductor, and clinician. His professional affiliations include: the Kansas Music Educators Association, Music Educator's National Conference, College Band Director's National Association, and the College Music Society. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

He and his wife, the former Elizabeth Gaudreau, live in Manhattan with their son Timothy and daughter Jordan.