What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Dr. Eun-Hee Park, associate professor of music and head of the keyboard area.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I am originally from South Korea, and I currently live in Alabaster.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
A Bachelor of Arts in Music from Colorado Mesa University, Master of Music in Piano Performance from Oklahoma City University and Doctor of Music in Piano Performance (chamber music and accompanying piano) from Florida State University.
How long have you worked here?
It is my seventh year at Montevallo.
What brought you to Montevallo?
The job offer at Montevallo was so attractive and exciting that I moved from Connecticut to Alabama seven years ago.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
I can confidently say that my colleagues and students have kept me motivated and helped me thrive over the years.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
I recently met to catch up with one of my former students who just finished her master’s degree in piano pedagogy after receiving a bachelor’s degree under my tutelage at UM. It offered me a powerful reminder that my job as teacher could impact students significantly. Including this specific student’s achievement, I have been grateful to witness my current and former students’ accomplishments and growth both professionally and personally. I look forward to continuing what I love to do the most: teaching, nurturing my students and sharing music on stage with audiences on and off campus.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
Over the past seven years, I’ve been honored to receive several faculty development grants that supported various exciting CD projects. In total, I’ve released nine CD albums, with three released while at Montevallo. Notably, two of these received the distinguished Global Music Awards’ Silver Medals in the Chamber Music Album and Classical Music categories. I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be dedicating my efforts to my upcoming 10th CD album project this spring, featuring the captivating piano solo music of Korean composers.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
When I first arrived at Montevallo for my job interview, I could immediately feel a sense of belonging. The warmth and hospitality I experienced then were indicative of the nurturing atmosphere fostered by the whole Montevallo community. This is a special place for many people who come across the campus.
Anything else you want to say?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude toward everyone who I have encountered in my time on campus.
