UIndy Music Department Recognized at Indiana Music Educators Association Conference

Written by Ella Shelburn

The University of Indianapolis Music Department received awards for its excellence in music and music education at the Indiana Music Educators Association Conference. 

Dr. Laurie Williams, director of music education and orchestra, was named Collegiate Educator of Excellence at the conference, and students Christopher Gonima ’26 (Music Education) and Casey Adams ’26 (Music Education) were named as Outstanding Future Music Educators. 

Adams sees this award as a reminder of his journey to become a music educator and what he has learned along the way.

“While earning this award has definitely been a confidence boost for my teaching abilities, it’s mainly served as a great reminder and motivator that I am not an outstanding music educator, yet, but if I continue on the path I’m on, I very well could be,” said Adams.

Additionally, UIndy’s collegiate National Association for Music Education chapter (cNAfME) was named the Indiana Chapter of the Year. UIndy cNAfME is an RSO led by students and advised by Dr. Williams. 

Dr. Rebecca Sorley, chair of the music department and professor of music, is proud of the chapter for its continued success and its dedication to service. 

“Our collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education is very strong at UIndy,” said Dr. Sorley. “Chapters around the state are assessed for their work in professional development and service to the community. Because chapters that win the award are not eligible in the subsequent year, we have won in 2020, 2022, 2024, and now 2026!”