Loyola University New Orleans announced Victoria Policastro Vega, M.M.T. ’84, Ph.D., as the new associate dean for the College of Music and Media and director of the School of Music. An accomplished music therapy clinician, educator and lecturer, Vega has served as the coordinator of the Music Therapy Program at Loyola since 2000 and division coordinator of Music Therapy and Education since 2011. She officially began her new post Aug. 1.
“We are thrilled to have Professor Vega assume this leadership role in our college. Her contributions over the years have been stellar, and she has all the tools and capabilities to be an excellent member of the college’s leadership team,” said Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Music and Media.
Vega received a bachelor’s degree in music education from West Virginia University, a master’s degree in music therapy from Loyola and a doctorate in music therapy from Temple University. She is an active member of theAmerican Music Therapy Association, having served as vice president and president of the South-Central Region and as a member of the association’s National Executive Committee. Vega received the association’s regional Excellence in Music Therapy award in 1998 and the National Presidential Award in 2006.
“As an alumna, faculty member and parent, Loyola has always been a place for my family to learn and grow. For over three decades, I have carried the lessons from Loyola of thinking critically and acting justly as a music therapist, educator and researcher,” Vega said. “I hope to carry those same lessons as I assume the position of associate dean of the College of Music and Media and director of the School of Music.”
An accomplished musician, Vega also performs as a flutist in the Crescent City Wind Symphony and as a vocalist at the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church.