Nicki Flinn-Culver
Associate Professor of Dance
Nicki Flinn has been a dance professor at Hope since 2009. Her responsibilities are primarily with dance education and pedagogy. Currently, she鈥檚 working on a project for the State of Michigan in the development of K鈥�12 arts assessments. Her recent research interests include brain-based, kinesthetic learning for academic environments that include the creative process.
She is also the director of Hope鈥檚 Strike Time Dance Company. This company produces full-length performances with a focus on education outreach. They perform approximately 40 shows a year for children.
Areas of expertise
Nicki's area of expertise is in K鈥�12 dance education. She developed a K鈥�12 dance program and curriculum in Owosso, Michigan, for 12 years. Her goal is to provide dance opportunities for students of all ages.
Education
- M.A., the art of teaching, Mary Grove College, 2002
- B.A., dance education, language arts and kinesiology, Hope College, 1997
Honors, grants and awards
- Patrons of the Arts Grant for Strike Time Dance Company (2015)
- Jacob Nyenhuis Faculty Grant (2013鈥�15)
- Dance Educator of the Year, Michigan Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (2006)
- Teacher of the Year, Owosso Public Schools (2002)
- Outstanding Major Student in Physical Education, Michigan Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (1997)
- Dance Education Student of the Year, National Dance Association (1997)
- Hope College Peter Bol Award, Hope College (1997)
Selected publication
- Michigan's Model Arts Education Instruction and Assessment Project, K鈥�12 Arts Education Instructional Blueprint, Assessment and Audit Tool for Dance MAEIA (Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment)
Outside the college
Nicki coaches the Holland High School girls golf team.