Colby Community College music instructor Pat Ziegelmeier has been selected as the Northwest Kansas Music Educators Association 2017 College Music Educator of the Year.  She will be recognized Dec. 2 at Fort Hays State University’s Beech/Schmidt Performing Arts Center during the Northwest Kansas High School Honor Concert. The selection marks the second time Ziegelmeier has received the award.

A music instructor and accompanist for CCC since 1988, she credits her love of music to her parents, especially her mother. Ziegelmeier said her goal is to help students experience the joy of music while striving for excellence in their future musical endeavors. 

Ziegelmeier received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and her master’s degree from Fort Hays State University. In addition to her responsibilities at the college, she is the executive secretary for the Kansas Music Teachers Association, and the executive director of the Western Plains Arts Association. She also serves as organist and music coordinator at the Colby United Methodist Church. 

She and husband Carl reside on their farm near Gem. They have five children, Matt, Steve, Lisa, Amy and Lori, and 14 grandchildren.