Pursley serves as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) -- Dr. Robyn Pursley is serving as the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Northeastern State University.

A native Oklahoman, Pursley is in her 15th year of teaching at NSU and serves as an associate professor of drama. She has been the artistic director of the River City Players for the past 13 seasons and has led the art and drama department for the past three years.

She earned her bachelor of arts in theatre from NSU, a master of arts in theatre from Oklahoma State University and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Arkansas.

Pursley was awarded the NSU Circle of Excellence in Service in the spring of 2017 and was also awarded the Ruth Arrington Outstanding College Theatre Educator award by the Oklahoma Speech Theatre Communication Association.

She values giving back to the community and is an active volunteer with the Humane Society of Cherokee County.

Pretty much everything I do is driven by the desire to serve my university and community, Pursley said. My professional world revolves around this university and advocating for theatre education in our state and region.

Pursley said she discovered herself and her passion for theatre education as an undergraduate student at NSU.

For that, NSU will always have a special place in my heart. This university has molded who I am as a person and as a professional and I am probably one of the strongest advocates you will find for the impact that this campus can have on an individual. I couldn't be happier to give back to the place that has given me so much.