Dr. Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez is Early Childhood School’s closing exercises dedication service speaker
Dr. Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez is a distinguished and multifaceted professional whose contributions span the fields of education, music, visual arts, and academic administration. A dedicated educator, she has spent her career nurturing the artistic and intellectual growth of young minds. She currently serves as Full Professor and Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts (COPVA) at Silliman University.
An accomplished choral conductor and trainer, Dr. Suarez has led several acclaimed ensembles, including the Silliman University Campus Choristers, Ating Pamana Inc., and SUGGA. Under her leadership, these choirs have garnered numerous awards and toured the United States in 1999, 2001, and 2011. The SU Choristers and the SU Covenant Choir continue to serve the university at both sacred and secular functions, bearing testament to her enduring influence.
Her outstanding achievements have been recognized through various national accolades, including the Gawad Nicanor Abelardo for Most Outstanding Music Educator in the Philippines (2018) and honors from the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Kaisa sa Sining and the Kislap Awards (2021).
A longstanding member of the Silliman academic community, Dr. Suarez previously served as Director of the School of Music and Fine Arts (1990–2000) and was Dean of COPVA from 2010 to 2016 before reassuming the post. She currently chairs the Advisory Council of the Silliman University Culture and Arts Council and is an active member of the Dumaguete City Arts Council.
In 2016, she completed her post-doctoral engagement in Music Therapy at Eastern Michigan University, USA. This accomplishment enabled her to spearhead the establishment of the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy program at Silliman University.
Dr. Suarez is also a published author. Her works include Progressive Work-Text Material for Elementary Children, as well as her latest book on music therapy, Julia and the Music of the Light, which continues to inspire young learners and professionals alike.
Beyond the podium, she is also an accomplished visual artist and pianist. Her mastery of the piano complements her deep musical insight as a choral conductor.
