Susie Thiel is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. She holds a BFA from Western Michigan University and an MFA from the University of Michigan, and performed in New York and nationally with several modern dance companies and musical theatre productions. Her choreography has been presented nationally and internationally. Centering on community health and creative movement, her research highlights the transformative power of dance to foster well-being and connections. She is a regional board member of ACDA and a recipient of UK’s Provost’s Outstanding Teaching Award.