Professor of Music Adriana Ransom is the recipient of the Outstanding University Service Award. She will be honored at the Founders Day Convocation on February 21.
Ransom joined the School of Music in 2006 as an assistant professor. She has directed the ISU String Project since 2006 and much of her service activity has been connected to the project including outreach to participants and their families, working with pre-service teachers, and coordinating free performances at public venues. She has secured grant funding to support tuition scholarships for families with need; under her leadership, the String Project runs a clothing swap for student concert attire and provides cellos, basses, and other supplies that students can borrow. She expanded the project to include Livingston County, began classes at the Western Avenue Community Center, and initiated outreach to 4-year-olds through Head Start classes. She developed the “Redbird Road Concerts” concept to coordinate student performances at retirement venues and the Alzheimer’s Center.
Within the School of Music, Ransom has served on numerous committees, including the Scholarship Committee, the School Faculty Status Committee, and search committees. She has also been involved with high school recruiting and was instrumental in the development of a new degree sequence. At the College of Fine Arts level, she has served on search committees, the College Council, and the College Curriculum Committee. She has also served at the University level by chairing a Dean’s search committee, being a faculty dorm mentor, presenting at University Club, and performing at Homecoming galas. Ransom has also won multiple awards including the University’s Service Initiative Award in 2008. Dean of Fine Arts Jean Miller said, “I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Dr. Adriana Ransom. Her service is truly exceptional.”
