Dr. Deanna Joseph, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Georgia State, has been named the recipient of the Chris and Aileen Valianos Endowed Professorship in Music, effective April 1, 2025. The appointment was formally approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at its April 2025 meeting.
"This endowed position recognizes Dr. Joseph’s distinguished contributions to the field of choral music, her leadership within the School of Music, and her national and international impact as a conductor, educator, and scholar,” said Chester Phillips, Dean of the College of the Arts. “We are incredibly proud of her, and we’re deeply grateful to the Valianos family for their generosity in making this recognition possible. Support like this empowers our faculty and students to reach new heights and ensures the continued excellence of our programs.”
At Georgia State, Dr. Joseph conducts the University Singers and leads the School of Music’s graduate program in choral conducting. Since joining the faculty in 2008, she has earned multiple university honors, including the College of the Arts Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award (2021), the University's Alumni Distinguished Professor Award (2018), and the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award (2015).
Under her direction, the Georgia State University Singers have gained national and international recognition. The ensemble has performed at multiple American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conferences, including invitations to the 2021 and 2025 national conferences. Internationally, the ensemble has performed at the World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Turkey, and won first place at the Marktoberdorf International Chamber Choir Competition in Germany.
Dr. Joseph has also led the choir in collaborations with major arts organizations, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Ballet, and Andrea Bocelli. The ensemble has released three professional recordings—Evening Hymn, Heavenly Display, and Requiem—all distributed internationally by Naxos and featured on NPR’s With Heart and Voice.
Reflecting on the appointment, Dr. Joseph said she is honored and grateful for the opportunity, calling the Valianos family's support "a gift that will resonate far beyond the choral area at Georgia State University." She added that the endowment "will inspire artistry, foster innovation, and open doors for our students to experience music at the highest level."
She noted that the endowment will provide critical support for a range of initiatives, including collaborative performances, guest residencies, and international opportunities. "Our choral program will have the resources to pursue ambitious recording projects, collaborate with Atlanta’s outstanding professional ensembles, welcome master teachers for transformative residencies, and embark on international travel that broadens our musical and cultural horizons," she said. "These opportunities will not only enrich the educational experience of every student in our program, but also strengthen our community and elevate the standard of excellence for which we strive."
Joseph concluded by expressing her appreciation for the Valianos family's commitment to the School of Music, stating, "Their vision and commitment to the future of music at GSU ensures that our students will dream bigger, reach further, and create music that leaves a lasting impact."
Dr. Joseph holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music, where she was awarded the Walter Hagen Conducting Prize. She is also the founder and artistic director of the Atlanta Summer Conducting Institute and is an active guest conductor and clinician nationwide.
The Chris and Aileen Valianos Endowed Professorship in Music supports faculty excellence and program development in the Georgia State University School of Music within the College of the Arts.