11:41 a.m., May 12, 2009----Lynnette Overby, University of Delaware professor of theatre, recently accepted the 2009 Honor Award from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).

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The Honor Award is given to nominees who demonstrate personal integrity and who have made significant contributions to the advancement within the fields of health, physical education, recreation, or dance (HPERD).

Nominated by a colleague at another university, Overby was quickly recognized as a top contender for the award. Not only does she have more than 20 years of scholarship, she also has a record of more than 100 major presentations and performances and has held multiple leadership positions in national dance and health, physical education, recreation and dance organizations. She also has many national awards and honors to her name.

According to the AAHPERD organization, “Lynnette [Overby] thoroughly understands the value of personal integrity and works toward being an outstanding woman of honor in the HPERD profession and in society. Her dedication to education, her compassion, and her enthusiasm to encourage others to learn make her a most deserving recipient.”

Overby was recently recognized by the AAHPERD during their annual national convention, held in early April in Tampa, Fla.

“Now I have a beautiful award sitting on my desk,” said Overby. Her pride extends far beyond this token of appreciation, as does her gratitude for the nomination. “It is heartwarming to know that people appreciate the work that you do,” she added.

Overby also serves as the faculty director of UD's Undergraduate Research Program and Office of Service Learning. A year after her appointment as faculty director, Overby has successfully built upon the programs' foundations of excellence and promoting the value and importance of research and service learning.

“My position gives me great opportunity to work with excellent staff in facilitating undergraduate student engagement in research, service learning and creative endeavors,” said Overby.

Recently, Overby -- with Joann Browning, professor of theatre, and Jan Bibik, associate professor of health, nutrition and exercise sciences -- dedicated time to developing a new dance minor, which was approved by the Faculty Senate.

She will teach a course in the minor called “Dance, Drama, and Learning.” The course will integrate the studies of dance and drama with school and community teaching and is designed for students hoping to combine their interests in the performing arts with education.

Her ambitions never seem to end, nor does her commitment to UD students and the values for which the AAHPERD Honor Award stands.

Article by Blair Lee