Dr. Elizabeth Momand, professor of music at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, has been awarded the 2020 Lucille Speakman Master Teacher Award for outstanding teaching performance, professional growth, and service to the community.

 

“I have many reasons to be grateful,” Momand said. “First, I have wonderful students to teach. They are eager to learn, open to new concepts and just great people. Second, I work with fabulous colleagues who are supportive of one another.”

 

Dr. Momand is a full-time faculty member with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance from Mississippi College. She completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts in vocal performance at the University of Texas.

 

 “In the music department, we are really a team working towards the same goal, and that makes teaching much more fulfilling,” said Dr. Momand.

 

Dr. Momand is a former department head with the UAFS Department of Music and Humanities (2007-2013,) is a trained accreditor for the National Association of Schools of Music and has served as secretary for the Arkansas Association of Schools of Music.

 

“I follow a four-pronged, student-centered approach to teaching: know your students, start where they are, give them opportunities for exploration and connect the learning to other parts of their lives,” said Dr. Momand.

 

Every morning Dr. Momand  goes over her teaching plans and asks herself the same question: “What can I do today to have a positive impact on my students?” The goal for each student, she said, is the same.

 

“I want them to feel healthy, happy and successful about their life, whether they follow their music dreams or choose a different path,” said Dr. Momand. “I tell my students that, even after they graduate, the goal will still be there and I will do whatever I can to help them reach it.”