Briar Cliff University Names Emily Rademacker as Choral Music Director and Instructor

(Sioux City, Iowa - June 30, 2026) Briar Cliff University has named Emily Rademacker as its new Choral Music Director and Instructor, bringing more than a decade of experience in music education, performance leadership, and community engagement to the role.

Rademacker joins Briar Cliff with a diverse background in public and private education, arts programming, leadership development, and organizational culture building. Throughout her career, she has launched and expanded music programs, directed performances, and created environments centered on student growth and belonging. Her students have been accepted into honor choirs at the regional, state, and national levels.

"Emily's experience launching programs, directing performances, and building strong communities through music stood out immediately," said Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University. "She brings energy, vision, and a student-first approach that will help shape the future of music at Briar Cliff."

Most recently, Rademacker served as Chief of Staff for Inspired Foundations in Omaha, where she supported operations, communications, and team leadership across multiple domestic and international teams. Prior to that, she built an extensive career in music education throughout Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

From 2016-2022, she served at Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community Schools in multiple roles, including Show Choir Founder and Director and Vocal Music Director, for grades 5-8. Her middle school choir program grew from no participants to 65 members in five years.

She has previously served as Parish Music Director, middle school music teacher, and founder of a junior music theater program at Sacred Heart Catholic School and Church in Yankton, South Dakota, where she coordinated music programs and performances while fostering strong community engagement.

Rademacker's experience also includes vocal music leadership positions in Nebraska schools, where she founded show choir and musical theater programs. She was also recognized early in her career with a Rookie of the Year award. Her Nebraska high school choirs all received the highest rating at District Music Contest.

She earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Benedictine College on a full-ride piano scholarship, the Katherine Weishar Dalzell Music Scholarship, and has continued graduate coursework in art education from Morningside University, and choral conducting from the University of South Dakota. She is currently seeking a Master of Choral Music Education from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.

In her role at Briar Cliff, she will lead music instruction and support opportunities for students to develop their musical talents through performance, collaboration, and creative expression.

"I am honored and incredibly excited to join Briar Cliff University as its Choral Director and Lecturer of Music," Rademacker said. "God has been carving my path to Briar Cliff, and I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to serve the University and the Siouxland community. I look forward to contributing to the environment of faith and student growth through the joy of music at Briar Cliff."