Sara Lee Gibb
From College of Fine Arts and Communications
Education
Gibb graduated from BYU in 1959 with a degree in Speech and Drama. In 1970 she completed a master’s degree in physical education.
Career
At BYU, Gibb has served as chairwoman of the dance department and associate dean of the College of Health and Human Performance prior to filling her current position as dean. Through these administrative positions, Gibb has had a substantial impact on the structure of the department. She developed the university’s Dance Teacher Preparation program, founded the BYU Children's Dance Program and created courses in dance methodology, body therapies and pedagogy.
Gibb has worked as a performer, choreographer and scholar and has influenced dance education around the world. She served as president of the National Dance Education Organization for four years. She also oversaw the efforts of field researchers in reviewing dance literature and research from 1926 to present and publishing a research review as part of a $700,000 Research in Dance Education project,.
She served eight years as a member of the board of directors of the Utah Arts Council, including three years as chair of the board. She also worked with the National Association of Schools of Dance as chair of the Commission on Accreditation and currently serves as vice president.
In 2008, Gibb received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Dance Education Organization.
