3/3/25

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University Music & Theatre Programs is proud to announce that Ashley Vilaysing is the recipient of The Presser Foundation’s 2024-25 Undergraduate Scholar Award. The Award is designed to encourage and support the education of a music student who has achieved a high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and service, and contributed to an inclusive community.

Vilaysing, a Hays native, is a senior at FHSU pursuing a major in Music Education with a minor in Psychology. She is active in many ensembles, including the FHSU Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Tiger Marching Band, the Hays Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Clarinet Choir. She holds several leadership positions within these ensembles, including principal clarinetist, section leader, drum major, and uniform manager. Vilaysing is also engaged in the collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) at FHSU, currently as Vice President.

"Ashley is an exceptional student leader whose dedication, professionalism, and passion for music education set her apart,” said Dr. Emily Chapman, Assistant Professor of Music Education at FHSU. “As a talented musician and mentor, she has demonstrated both excellence in her craft and a deep commitment to guiding and inspiring others. With her unwavering drive to make a difference, she is eager to step into the classroom and impact the lives of her future students from day one. I am incredibly proud of the teacher she is becoming.”

Vilaysing said she is grateful and honored to be selected as this year’s Presser Scholar.

“My passion for music education stems from the support of all the amazing educators I’ve been fortunate to have and my closest friends and family,” she said. “Through their belief in me, I am inspired to provide the best opportunities for every student, and I aim to lead with compassion, understanding, and excitement.”

Vilaysing hopes to inspire her students with the courage to pursue their passions in much the same way her teachers inspired her.

“I push myself to be the best I can be so that my future students can receive the education they deserve,” she said “Through enriching and broadening perspectives, I hope to provide my students the chance to experience and enjoy diverse educators from a variety of backgrounds.”

Vilaysing plans to teach in western Kansas after graduation, where she can encourage future students and foster a life-long love for music. Vilaysing will use the funds to help support her student teaching journey next semester. She hopes to share her passion for music and, in turn, help her students discover their own passions.

About The Presser Foundation:

The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the will of the late Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy. Mr. Presser taught at many undergraduate and graduate music institutions. To honor his commitment to music education, undergraduate music programs at selected colleges, universities, and independent institutions of higher education are provided the opportunity to present the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award, which recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of a music major in their final year of undergraduate study.

The Foundation is committed to equitable, transparent, and forward-thinking philanthropy. For more information: www.presserfoundation.org.