NAfME Awards Four Collegiate Members and Ten Institutions’ Collegiate Chapters for Excellence and Achievement

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Catherina Hurlburt
catherinah@nafme.org or 571-323-3395 

National Association for Music Education Awards Four Collegiate Members and Ten Institutions’ Collegiate Chapters for Excellence and Achievement

New This Year: NAfME Collegiate Advisor of Excellence Award

HERNDON, VA (April 8, 2026) – The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) will recognize the NAfME Collegiate Chapters of ten schools as “Chapters of Excellence” this June during the NAfME National Leadership Assembly. The Chapter of Excellence Recognition was developed to encourage chapters to plan and execute successful chapter advocacy, music program, professional development, recruitment strategy, and service projects. Recognition of excellent projects is conferred annually and is based on activities completed by the chapter the prior year (January through December) or during the current spring semester prior to the submission of the application.

The ten chapters receiving Chapter of Excellence Recognition for the 2025–2026 school year include:

• Advocacy: University of Miami, Miami, Florida
• Musical Programs: University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
• Professional Development: The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Potsdam, New York
• Professional Development: Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
• Professional Development: San Diego State University, San Diego, California
• Recruitment: Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
• Recruitment: Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida
• Recruitment: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
• Service: Florida International University, Miami, Florida
• Service: San José State University, San José, California

Four NAfME Collegiate members were also recognized with Professional Achievement Awards. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary musicianship and contribute to activities such as volunteering, work experience, and publications. The award recipient is expected to have consistently attended State and/or National conferences, held leadership positions and, through personal example, encouraged other collegiates to work toward the highest level of professional development.

Professional Achievement Award recipients for 2025–2026 include:

• Ethan Hacker—University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Jordan Mash—Florida International University, Miami, Florida
• Felix Angel Moreno III—University of Mount Union, Alliance, Ohio
• Sophie Wood—Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York

The NAfME Collegiate program is proud to announce a new recognition award beginning this academic year: the Chapter Advisor of Excellence Award. This award recognizes NAfME Collegiate chapter advisors’ involvement in developing, influencing, and impacting NAfME Collegiate chapters.

Chapter Advisor of Excellence Award recipients for 2025–2026 include:

• Ann Hicks—Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
• Laura Kitchel—Capital University, Columbus, Ohio

To learn more about the NAfME Collegiate program, visit nafme.org/membership/collegiate.

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The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is a collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education. The only association that addresses all aspects of music education, NAfME, together with its affiliated state music education associations, advocates at the national, state, and local levels and provides resources and opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Founded in 1907 and representing more than 57,000 members teaching millions of students, NAfME advances the music education profession and promotes lifelong experiences in music.

Follow NAfME on Facebook and Instagram @nafme and NAfME Collegiate on Facebook and Instagram @nafmecollegiateofficial. For additional information, contact Catherina Hurlburt at catherinah@nafme.org or 703-860-4000.