Amanda Penick, who taught at the School of Music at the University of Alabama for 61 years, died on June 19 at her home in Tuscaloosa. She was the longest-serving tenured faculty member not only at the University of Alabama but in the entire state of Alabama.
Professor Penick graduated with honors from Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1950 with a degree in piano performance. She earned a master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Alabama in 1952. Shortly thereafter, she joined the faculty at the university and continued to teach there for 61 years until her retirement in 2014.
In 2008, Professor Penick was named the National Teacher of the Year Award by the Music Teachers National Association. Later, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Alabama.