Joanna Hersey, professor of music and associate dean of student success and curriculum for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, received the inaugural Mary Ann Craig Focus on Women Award from the International Tuba Euphonium Association. The award honors Dr. Mary Ann Craig, performer, educator, and past president of the association.
“Our Focus on Women Award is a significant and important addition to the tuba euphonium community,” noted Deanna Swoboda, past-president of the International Tuba Euphonium Association. “This new award highlights and showcases the exceptional artistic work of women in what has been a predominantly white male organization and community.”
Dr. Hersey, a United States Coast Guard Band veteran, stated “I was honored to receive this award, especially since I have worked with Dr. Craig for more years than we want to admit! I hope this award can inspire more creativity which centers women and I look forward to the projects considered for this prize in the future.”
Dr. Hersey earned a bachelor’s degree in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies from the University of Connecticut. She holds a master’s degree in tuba performance from the New England Conservatory of Music and a doctor of musical arts degree in tuba performance from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford.