Dr. Wendy R. Oliver, Providence College professor of dance and chair of the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film, has been chosen as the 2008 National Dance Association (NDA) Scholar/Artist.

The NDA Scholar/Artist is selected by the organization's research committee, and the honor is considered one of the highest in the field of dance.

To be nominated, a person must have a scholarly record of longer than 10 years, be currently producing scholarly materials or other creative works, document in-depth study of dance, and prove capable of communicating ideas and knowledge to selected arts groups.

The honor of being recognized as the NDA Scholar/Artist lasts for one year beginning at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) National Convention. Oliver also will serve for three years on the panel that selects the next three scholar/artists.

This year's convention took place from April 10-13 in Fort Worth, Texas, where Oliver was awarded a plaque commemorating the honor. She also delivered a lecture entitled "Body Image in the Dance Class."

"I am extremely honored to have won this award," Oliver said. "When I look at those who have won it in the past, I feel humbled to be in the company of such accomplished people in my field."

In addition to receiving the NDA recognition, Oliver was featured in the April edition of Dance Magazine. The story, which announced Oliver as the award recipient, also highlighted her extensive career, which began as a performer in a Minneapolis-based dance group in the 1970s.

Oliver came to PC in 1985 and has taught courses that focus on modern dance, women in the arts, and women in dance and sport, among many others. She is also director of the College's Dance Company, which annually performs fall and spring concerts and makes other presentations throughout the academic year.

Outside of the College, Oliver has served on the NDA Board of Directors and was honored in 1998 as the College/University Dance Educator of the Year by the Rhode Island Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. She holds a master's degree in fine arts from Temple University and a doctorate of education from Columbia University Teachers College.