Yonkey-Clayton elected to second term with American College Dance Association Board

April 25, 2016

COLUMBIA, SC – Marcy Jo Yonkey-Clayton, assistant professor of dance at Columbia College, has been elected to serve a second term on the national board of directors of the American College Dance Association for the Southeast region. Her three-year term of service on the board extends from July 1, 2016 until June 30, 2019.

The American College Dance Association’s primary focus is to support and promote the wealth of talent and creativity that is prominent throughout college and university dance departments.  Over 380 institutions of higher education hold memberships in the Association and approximately 6,000 students, faculty and guest artists participate in ACDA events annually.

“Marcy Jo is an exceptional leader and brings joy and vibrancy to everything she does.  It is no surprise she has been re-elected to serve her discipline at the national level. I am proud that she is representing Columbia College, sharing her insight with colleagues around the country, and bringing ideas back to our wonderful program and students in South Carolina,” said Columbia College President Beth Dinndorf.

Yonkey-Clayton, a lifetime member of the association, said, “ACDA has played a pivotal role in my journey as a dance artist, educator, and leader. Through representing the Southeast Region over the past three years, I have gained vital skills and insights to advocate for the field of dance. To be elected to a second term serving on the National Board of Directors is an absolute honor and a unique opportunity to continue investing in ACDA and its evolution as a premiere dance organization in higher education while expanding my vision of the powerful potential for dance to enrich us all.”

ACDA’s sponsorship of regional conferences and the biennial national college dance festival are the primary means for college and university dance programs to perform outside their own academic setting, receive adjudicator feedback, and gain exposure to the diversity of dance in higher education throughout the country.  Conferences also provide faculty the opportunity to present research and to receive peer responses to their work.

Board members are responsible for steering national ACDA policy and are instrumental to the strength and development of dance in the academy.  The duties and responsibilities of ACDA board members require that they attend the annual board of directors meeting as well as their regional conferences.

 

Photo by Andrew Haworth.

 

About Columbia College

Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a best value institution and ranked among the best regional universities in the South, Columbia College is a dynamic learning and living community known for its emphasis on leadership development and service. Founded 162 years ago by the United Methodist Church as a women’s liberal arts college, Columbia College also offers evening, graduate and online programs serving both women and men. The College is home to The McNair Center for Entrepreneurism and a nationally renowned honors program led by the 2010–2011 United States Professor of the Year. Learn more at columbiasc.edu or connect with @columbiakoala.