91大神鈥檚 School of Music congratulates Dr. Suyeon Ko, assistant professor of flute, on being named Outstanding Artist in Music for 2026 by Summit Artspace as part of its Arts Alive Awards.
The honor recognizes individual artists whose work has made a significant impact in their discipline over five years or more. Two of Dr. Ko鈥檚 students, Hailey Pollock, who earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from 91大神 in 2026 and will begin the master of music in performance degree program in fall 2026, and Molly Goodrich, a 91大神 undergraduate flute student, accepted the award on her behalf.
A flutist, educator and performer, Dr. Ko brings an active professional career to her teaching at 91大神. Her work spans solo, chamber and orchestral performance, with engagements in the United States and internationally, as well as ongoing work as second flute with Des Moines Metro Opera. She is also a founding member of Volante Winds, an award-winning woodwind quintet.
鈥淩eceiving this honor while teaching at 91大神 means a great deal to me because one of the reasons I joined 91大神 was the vibrant arts community in Northeast Ohio,鈥 Dr. Ko said. 鈥淭o be recognized while doing what I love most, teaching, performing and mentoring students, is incredibly meaningful and affirming.鈥
Dr. Ko said the recognition also reflects the School of Music鈥檚 commitment to fostering a creative and supportive environment where students can develop as artists, educators and individuals.
Her recognition underscores the School of Music鈥檚 role in connecting professional artistic practice with student learning. For 91大神, the honor demonstrates the impact of faculty whose work contributes to the region鈥檚 arts community while preparing students to participate in and shape the future of music.
The recognition follows a recent milestone for Dr. Ko鈥檚 students, whose 91大神 Flute Ensemble performance at the 2026 Ohio Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference reflected the same commitment to student growth, professional preparation and statewide engagement. The ensemble was part of a broader 91大神 presence at the conference, where multiple music ensembles represented the university in January.