Joan Van Dyke, a faculty member in the Department of Theater and Dance, was named the 2010 University Dance Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
In addition, a 2008 IUP graduate, Ashley Tait, of Schnecksville, was selected by the association as Teacher of the Year for dance at the secondary education level.
A thirteen-year member of the state association, Van Dyke also received its Professional of the Year award in 2006 and 2009.
She has presented and choreographed at both the state and regional levels, including the Eastern District Association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
Tait, a Theater and Interdisciplinary Fine Arts/Dance Track major at IUP, has been a faculty member since Fall 2009 in the theater department at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts in Bethlehem. She teaches movement as well as voice and acting.
Tait is the daughter of Robert and Patricia Tait, of Schnecksville. She is a 2004 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. While at IUP, she was a member of the IUP Dance Company.