SUU music educator to receive statewide award

Virginia K. Stitt has earned her place among the best music educators in the state and she's done so by teaching the subject in southern Utah for 30 years.

"Virginia is a gem that has been kept secret from a lot of people across the state," said Steve Shirts, a former student of Stitt's, and current Canyon View High School band director. "Her students and colleagues in southern Utah have always known of her brilliance, but she likes to fly under the radar, so it's taken a while for word to spread."

Stitt began teaching music at Southern Utah University in 1977. Since then, many of her students have gone on to teach music in schools and in their homes, exhibiting the impact music can have in the lives of those she works with and teaches, Shirts said.

In February, Stitt will be named Outstanding Music Educator of the year by the Utah Music Educator Association. Shirts, who also chairs UMEA's awards committee, said he wasn't surprised when Stitt's name surfaced after calling for nominations earlier this year.

The music professor's relationship with Shirts began before college courses, during private lessons in high school. Even knowing all he did about her, Shirts was still surprised by the number of nominations his mentor received in the process.

"Virginia received 12 or 13 nominations from her colleagues," he said. "It's impossible to deny the impact Virginia has had on music education across the state."

With only one music educator named each year, Stitt joins an elite group of teachers statewide, who work far beyond their required responsibilities to improve music education throughout the state. To receive the award — which is presented to teachers whose efforts have most impacted their students and peers — Stitt said, "is humbling."

"I know a lot of the people who are teaching across the state, and I know all the amazing things they do," she said. "It's very humbling to be singled out amidst so many great teachers."

Stitt holds a doctorate degree in music arts from the University of Iowa, master's degrees in music and music education from Michigan State University and the University of Northern Colorado, as well as a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Illinois. She has taught music at a handful of colleges and universities and has performed with a myriad of symphonies, both in the United States and internationally. Stitt continues to play with the Southwest Symphony and the Orchestra of Southern Utah as well as in local chamber and music groups and productions.

According to Bill Byrnes, dean of SUU's College of Performing and Visual Arts, Stitt's talent has been well-spread among students enrolled in her multiple courses at SUU.

"Dr. Stitt is a dedicated teacher who makes a major difference in the lives of her current students, and her influence as a faculty member extends to countless SUU alumni," Byrnes said. "I can't think of a colleague more deserving of this recognition."

The award will be presented to Stitt at a ceremony hosted by the UMEA on Friday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Dixie Center in St. George. Shirts said all of Stitt's colleagues, students, family and friends are invited to attend.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com