UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Michele Dunleavy, professor of dance in the School of Theatre, has been named the University Laureate for the 2024-25 academic year. Dunleavy, known for her innovative choreography and dedication to inclusive dance education, has been a vital part of Penn State’s acclaimed musical theater program since 2004.
The Penn State Laureate, an honor established in 2008, is bestowed annually on a full-time faculty member in the arts or humanities. The laureate dedicates half of their time during the academic year to enhancing the university's visibility in the arts and humanities, showcasing their work, and engaging with various communities across Pennsylvania.
Dunleavy succeeds the 2023-24 Penn State Laureate, Lori Hepner, professor of integrative arts at Penn State Greater Allegheny. Hepner, an accomplished visual artist known for her innovative use of light and movement to explore sensory experiences and memory, has significantly contributed to the visibility of the arts and humanities across Pennsylvania during her tenure.
Dunleavy’s work spans tap, jazz and modern dance, with performances and choreography that have captivated audiences from Chicago to New York City and beyond. Her contributions to the art form extend into her pedagogical practices, where she has seamlessly integrated her professional experiences into the classroom, offering students unparalleled opportunities to learn from a working artist at the top of her field.
One of Dunleavy’s hallmark projects, “Steel Valley Rhythms,” explores the intertwining narratives of place, memory, and the physical embodiment of generations of Pennsylvania iron and steelworkers through percussive dance. Her commitment to exploring social themes through dance is also evident in her collaborative efforts with Krista Wilkinson, distinguished professor of communication sciences and disorders in the College of Health and Human Development, with whom she has developed innovative programs that leverage the performing arts to support communication and social skills in individuals with and without disabilities.
Dunleavy’s tenure as Penn State Laureate will focus on further bridging the gap between the arts and community engagement, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. Her work with the For Good Troupe, alongside her contributions to disability-affirmative theatrer and dance, showcases her belief in the transformative power of the arts for individuals of all abilities.
In addition to her creative accomplishments, Dunleavy is a recognized leader in the community, having served as regional director for the American College Dance Association and as a board member for the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society. Her work has received support from numerous arts and education grants, underlining her impact both within and beyond the Penn State community.
As the 2024-25 Penn State Laureate, Dunleavy said she plans to extend her innovative approach to dance and choreography through exhibitions, performances, and workshops across the commonwealth.
"I am deeply honored by this recognition and excited about the opportunity to share the power of dance with broader audiences," Dunleavy stated. "I believe in the arts as a force for good, for change, and for bringing communities together. I look forward to a year of meaningful engagement and creative exploration."