MTNA Foundation Fellow Program
The MTNA Foundation Fellow program was established in 2000 to offer a meaningful method for honoring deserving individuals while supporting the efforts of the MTNA Foundation Fund through a donation to the Foundation Fund in an individual’s name. Funds raised by the MTNA Foundation Fellow program are used for grants and awards (such as Teaching Enrichment Grants and MTNA student competition awards). Each year new MTNA Fellows are recognized at the MTNA National Conference.
Following is a list of previous Fellows from Indiana:
2000 Catherine Smith*
2002 Annette Conklin
2008 Carolyn Hertzler
2025 Karen Thickstun
*Nominated in the first year by the MTNA Development committee, of which she was a member. IMTA was not involved in the process.
IMTA Foundation Fellow
Beginning July 1, 2025 the Indiana Music Teachers Association commenced a three-year cycle for identification of its MTNA Foundation Fellows. To this end, a new Fellow will be named every three years. $1500 is the current amount that MTNA requires for designating a MTNA Foundation Fellow. IMTA encourages its members (and others who know the Fellow) to contribute to the MTNA Foundation in support of the Fellow.
Process/Timeline for Selection of Fellows
The process for selecting the IMTA Foundation Fellow is overseen by the current IMTA Foundation Chair with the assistance of the current President and the IMTA Board of Trustees (3 past presidents).
Every three years, the Trustees will identify potential Fellow(s) with consideration to one, or more, of the following:
- Service and/or leadership within IMTA
- Contributions to profession at local, state and/or national levels
- Is respected by, and inspires, the IMTA membership
- Tireless and selfless giving of time, skills, resources, etc.
The next Indiana Foundation Fellow will be identified in January of 2027, presented to the Board Directors in June of 2027, and announced at the Fall 2027 State Conference.
Contributions in the name of a Fellow can be made through this donation link, or by mailing a check to MTNA at 600 Vine St, #1710, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
If donating online, please enter the Fellow’s name in the box provided. If donating by check, please write the Fellow’s name in the subject line of the check.