Prof. Carrie Vail
Title: Assistant Professor of Worship Arts & Music; Worship Arts Program Coordinator
Years at MVNU: 2023-2025 (Adjunct from 2012-2023)
Degrees:
* MA, Music Education, University of Nebraska at Kearney
* BA, Music Education, Northwest Nazarene University
Awards, Grants, Accolades, Publishing:
* Goliards Choir: Performance at Ohio Choral Directors Association Conference, Featured Choir (SU 2024)
* Student vocal coach: Two second-place awards at the Knox County Symphony’s Young Musicians Competition, 2024, 2025
* Private voice instruction, 2012-present, with 20 successful junior/senior recital performances
* Personal lecture recital, master’s thesis, April 2020 via Zoom; reprised in-person performance, October 2020
* Faculty voice recital, February 2024
* Invitation to perform at Ohio National Association of Teachers of Singing, Spring meeting, March 2025
Campus Involvement:
* Started and led Worship Arts Advisory Board
* Small group co-leader, Fall 2023
* Faculty Development Committee, 2023 – present
* Honors Project Advisor, two students (second student will not be seen through to completion)
* Directed 1 musical, 1 showcase; assisted with several others as adjunct professor
* Choral Director for Goliards (now Una Voce), 2022-present
* Interim Director for Goliards and Treble Singers as adjunct
* Chapel Worship Team keyboard player, FA 2024
Biography
Assistant Professor Carrie Vail has served the students of MVNU since 2012, when she was asked to be a voice teacher as an adjunct in the music department. During her tenure as adjunct and currently as professor, she has developed students’ passions for vocal music through private instruction, recitals, and various choirs. In 2022, Carrie was offered the position of Assistant Professor, with the charge of leading the Worship Arts program. Together with her husband, Eric, Carrie has faithfully led dozens of students in their Christian walk, through classroom instruction, one-on-one encouragement and private vocal instruction, small group discipleship and Bible study, and competitions that showcase the immense talent of her MVNU students.
Carrie’s Testimony:
Our family moved to Mount Vernon for my husband, Eric Vail to begin his tenure as Professor of Theology, and one year later I was offered the chance to adjunct as a voice teacher. I was gradually given more and more responsibilities both in the voice studio and in teaching other course work. When I was hired full-time in 2022 as the Program Coordinator for Worship Arts and Voice Professor, I was thrilled to work with more students. I was also really excited about the Worship Arts program that was just beginning - I believed in the program that was put together and was passionate about sharing it with potential students. I also enjoyed my chance to direct Goliards (now Una Voce) - it's been amazing to watch the evolution of the group as they have grown together and taken on challenges full force. I stayed for the students and the light that they brought to my life.
Carrie’s Favorite MVNU Memory:
My favorite memories are sitting backstage or in the audience at recitals, cheering on my students who have worked so hard. Also, directing Goliards last summer at OCDA was also a highlight. Hearing their voices come together as one was worth all the hard work that we put in together to create a great program for my colleagues.
Carrie’s Words to Students:
My prayer has always been that my students would take all the hard work that they've put into college and apply it to their future careers. They all have such tremendous potential, and I love when they come back for MVNU events and re-connect with me. I love watching God work in their lives as they allow Him to guide their paths.
As you recall the impact of Professor Vail’s influence on your life and learning, it would be a welcomed gesture for you to share words of affirmation or appreciation with her in the message box below. Carrie’s proficiency in vocal instruction was a significant asset to the Music Department. Her absence will leave a noticeable void in the classroom and across campus.
