Dr. Wendy Valerio, professor of music education, has won the 2020 Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award. Her teaching career is guided by the philosophy of “modeling and supporting professionalism, scholarship, and active music-making practices.”

"I am humbled and honored to receive this award. It is such a joy to work with, and especially make music with, the amazing undergraduate students at University of South Carolina," said Dr. Valerio.

She believes that music is a birthright of each human being and everyone in her class has music learning potential. As an early childhood/elementary music development specialist, Valerio researches human music development and learning through social music interaction. She has observed that children of all ages can learn music and seem to enjoy it by engaging musically rather than by being taught.

Andy Gowan, interim dean of the School of Music said, "Dr. Valerio is outstanding as a teacher, as a researcher, and as a mentor. She has contributed so much to the School of Music since coming to us in 1995.”