2019 Award Recipient!

Dr. Lisa O’Dear Lewis is a full professor in Health and Human Performance at Austin Peay State University (APSU). She received a B.S. in physical education with a dance minor, a M.S in wellness and fitness at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). She also received a Specialist in Education at MTSU and a Doctorate of Education from Tennessee State University. For 40 years, she has specialized in teaching dance to future physical educators. Her research in dance and mental health has been presented nationally and internationally. Dr. Lewis is published in several national journals and authored the book “Beginning Tap Dance“ (Human Kinetics Publications). Since 2014, she is a National Dance Society Member and has served on its board of directors, Wellness Council (chair/co-chair), research and Dance Society Member and has served on its board of directors, Wellness Council (chair/co-chair), research and evaluation council, NDS Journal editorial review board, professional development team, and the membership/marketing committee. She also was a member of the National Dance Association (2009-2014) where she served as Vice President Dance Science and Somatic and on the Publication Unit. Dr. Lewis received the Socrates Award from APSU, which is the highest award bestowed for teaching, and the High Impact Practice Excellence Award for service learning. Other awards include the APSU Faculty Research Award and the Research Intensive Honor. NDS is pleased to recognize Dr. Lisa Lewis as its 2019 College/University Dance Master Educator Award recipient.