Dr. Andrew Alegría has been honored as the Sul Ross State University Outstanding Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President and Provost Bernie Cantens on April 30. This prestigious award is given annually and is determined by faculty peers.
Dr. Alegría, an assistant professor of music and the director of Choral Activities and Vocal Study, joined the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at SRSU in 2018. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting with Distinction from the University of New Mexico, and a Bachelor of Music in Church Music/Choral Conducting from Baylor University.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Alegría serves as the head of the music program, a graduate program advisor, and the Musical Theatre Conductor. He is also the Region 6 chair of the Texas Music Educators Association College Division and serves on the Alpine Music Advisory Board.
Dr. Alegría has made significant contributions to the music program at SRSU, including establishing the Rex Wilson Choral Endowment, which awards scholarships to vocal majors in performance or education. He also fundraises for the Music Excellence Scholarship and the Band Excellence Scholarship, which together provide up to 22 scholarships each year. His influence extends beyond the university as he has served as a guest clinician and conductor from Pasadena to Presidio and as the artistic director of the Big Bend Children’s Chorus and the director of Music Ministry for the First United Methodist Church of Alpine.
A student survey highlighted Dr. Alegría’s impact: “Dr. Alegría brought the ensemble up to a whole new level this semester. This was one of the best choir experiences I’ve ever had.”
Dr. Alegría will receive a $2,000 prize and a plaque at the Faculty Awards Ceremony in the fall of 2024. As the Outstanding Teacher Award winner, he will also be nominated for the 2025 Texas State University System Board of Regents’ Teaching Award and the Minnie Piper Stevens Teaching Award.
