Next in the series is Susan D. Van Vorst, dean of the Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace University.
Background & Career: Van Vorst has served as the dean of the Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace University since 2012. After completing her undergraduate degree in piano performance, she began her career by working in a bank as a management trainee before entering into the nonprofit arts management space. She spent a great deal of time working in fundraising and development, particularly with symphony orchestras in northeastern Ohio.
When the Conservatory was looking for someone with financial literacy, fundraising, and arts management expertise and knowledge, as well as a music background, she was the perfect fit. Those skills contribute to her work in academia every day.
Music Involvement: Her mother, an elementary school teacher with knowledge of music, would sing songs to her at an early age. After taking lessons throughout her school days, she decided to major in piano performance, even though she knew that she didn’t want to have a career as a performer.
A faculty mentor discouraged her from pursuing a career in teaching choral music education, but she was drawn to education and students and was thrilled to return to an academic environment at the Conservatory.
Presence of Music in Life: “Music makes up my entire sensibility.”
How did she learn about The Presser Foundation: She first learned about the Foundation through her work in development and fundraising, a space she is passionate about and well-versed in.
Once at the Conservatory, she learned about their scholarships and saw how coveted the Presser Scholar Award is, as well as how carefully the chosen student is selected each year.
When invited to join the Scholar Award Committee by Dr. Mark Wait (the current Chair), she jumped at the opportunity.
Committee Member Since: 2018
Role at the Foundation: Committee Member – Scholar Award Committee
Favorite Part of serving on the Scholar Committee: “Regarding aspects of DEI, the Committee specifically and the Foundation overall are forward-thinking and ahead of what others are doing.
“The scale of the vision for this work is impressive, and the Committee’s thoughtful way that it’s considering its public-facing work demonstrates the influence that it’s having and the difference that it’s making.”
Impact of the Foundation: “The Foundation is making a significant difference – both in the large scale and small scale for schools across the country and for organizations in Philadelphia.”
What does she do in her free time?: She enjoys being outdoors, including walking her dog and biking in Cuyahoga National Park. She also spends time doing yoga, reading, and cooking.
She especially likes attending concerts and seeing her students’ artistic development.
“After two long years of continuous masking, it’s been wonderful to see students’ faces and fully experience their accomplishments.”
