FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas faculty member Angie Smith-Nix was recently named University Dance Educator of the Year for the Southern District of SHAPE America, the Society of Health and Physical Educators.

Smith-Nix, who has been on the College of Education and Health Professions faculty for 27 years, is a clinical assistant professor. She received the award at the district’s convention in February in Virginia.

Andy Mooneyhan, executive director of the Arkansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, has worked with Smith-Nix on the association's board for 10 years. The state association is a member of the Southern District of SHAPE America. Smith-Nix has held numerous offices and committee positions with the state and regional groups.

“Every activity she provides has passion, energy and professional presentation," Mooneyhan said. "She is truly a leader in our field and a great addition to her Arkansas colleagues."

Bart Hammig, head of the U of A Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, cited Smith-Nix's involvement with Adopt-A-Classroom, an initiative of the Education Renewal Zone at the U of A to link university faculty members with local K-12 teachers. Smith-Nix has worked with local high school and middle school classes, linking dance to history.

Hammig also noted that Smith-Nix regularly attracts non-dancers to her courses and effectively teaches them dance and instills an enthusiasm and newfound respect for the discipline.

“Angie exudes a passion about dance that is contagious,” he said.

Janet Forbess, an instructor in the kinesiology-pedagogy program, praised Smith-Nix's work coordinating dance groups to perform for the Southern District convention.

Smith-Nix earned a doctorate in kinesiology from the U of A in 1998. She has master's and bachelor's degrees from Arkansas State University. Before joining the College of Education and Health Professions faculty, she taught junior high as well as private fitness classes.

Susan Mayes, her colleague and mentor in the U of A kinesiology program, won the same award last year.