Music Faculty

Cindy Tovar (BMEd’00) is the Director of Alumni Relations and Student Retention. Devoted to the college’s mission, she has been serving on staff in various capacities since the summer of 2000, immediately following her undergraduate studies. She began working in the band office during the summer graduate program and was later assigned to assist the Undergraduate Dean and Director of Bands, Dr. Charles Menghini. In 2004, she became the Director of Outreach and Ensembles Coordinator, helping to facilitate numerous festivals, workshops, clinics, performance tours, and run logistical operation and library management of the performing ensembles. In 2009, Tovar became the Assistant to the President, where she served until the Fall of 2018, when she became the Director of Admissions.

In her new role as Director of Alumni Relations and Student Retention, Tovar plans to increase the number of college-sponsored alumni outings, improve alumni communication, and reconnect with alumni worldwide.

In addition to her administrative duties, Tovar serves as the staff advisor for VanderCook’s Collegiate Chapter of the Illinois Music Educator’s Association (ILMEA). She has received the Lewis & Gerry Schmidt Citation of Alumni Excellence. Outside of VanderCook, Tovar serves on the Midwest Clinic Conference Staff.