Dr. Donalyn Heise
Dr. Donalyn Heise, Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee is the 2009 recipient of the NAEA/CEC/VSAarts Beverly Levett Gerber Special Needs Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Heise has made numerous contributions at the local, state,regional, and international levels to advocate for quality art education opportunities for all students. She designed, implemented and evaluated community art initiatives that strengthen the partnership between the university, schools,museums, and local organizations. She helped to establish after school art programs for the homeless, for victims of domestic violence, at a day care center program for students and adults with special needs (mentally and physically challenged), and for elementary students who are hearing impaired.
In addition, Dr. Heise implemented art programs for at-risk youth in an urban community center and established ongoing art partnerships with a residential home for seniors with disabilities and special needs and the Ronald McDonaldHouse for children who are cancer patients. Dr. Heise is a Past-president of the Nebraska Art Teachers Association and received the 2007 Tennessee Art Educator of the Year Award for Higher Education. She developed a new undergraduate course for community art programs for diverse populations. She has received nine grants to support innovative art education and has made numerous presentations to provide information about Alternative Arts Education and Art for Healing. Through her teaching, research, writing, and community partnerships, she has increased art teachers’ competence and confidence teaching students with special
needs.
In addition, Dr. Heise implemented art programs for at-risk youth in an urban community center and established ongoing art partnerships with a residential home for seniors with disabilities and special needs and the Ronald McDonaldHouse for children who are cancer patients. Dr. Heise is a Past-president of the Nebraska Art Teachers Association and received the 2007 Tennessee Art Educator of the Year Award for Higher Education. She developed a new undergraduate course for community art programs for diverse populations. She has received nine grants to support innovative art education and has made numerous presentations to provide information about Alternative Arts Education and Art for Healing. Through her teaching, research, writing, and community partnerships, she has increased art teachers’ competence and confidence teaching students with special
needs.