Title: Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (Retired)
Company: National Dance Education Organization
Location: Centreville, Maryland, United States
Susan McGreevy-Nichols, retired executive director and chief executive officer of the National Dance Education Organization, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in dance education and the nonprofit sector.
Ms. McGreevy-Nichols has devoted more than 50 years to her passion for the art of dance and teaching others about it. Raised on a farm in a small town, she spent her early years working at a grocery store, where she learned important lessons about managing people and dealing with difficult customers. Immediately after finishing her own education in 1974, Ms. McGreevy-Nichols was hired to teach dance to sixth- through eighth-grade students at Roger Williams Middle School in Providence, Rhode Island. Remaining in that role for nearly 30 years, she collaborated with numerous dance specialists to develop a nationally recognized dance education program that went on to serve as a model for many other schools. Lauded for the dance program’s ability to instill a love of dance in young people, Roger Williams Middle School at one point had 600 of the school’s 900 students enrolled in the dance program, supported by four full-time teachers.
Retiring from full-time teaching in 2002, Ms. McGreevy-Nichols shifted toward consulting in various capacities. During this time, she contributed as an adjunct professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills and Loyola Marymount University. Ms. McGreevy-Nichols shared her expertise as national director of planning and school support for The Galef Institute, a senior partner with the Griffin Center for Inspired Instruction and president of Inspire Teaching and Learning. In her work with these organizations, she focused on fostering connections and aiding in strategic, long-term planning.
Capping off her esteemed career, Ms. McGreevy-Nichols stepped into the role of president of the National Dance Education Organization in 2009. Beginning in 2012, she served as the executive director and chief executive officer of the nonprofit, of which she had also been a founding member in 1998. Under Ms. McGreevy-Nichols’ leadership, the National Dance Education Organization doubled its income and made significant advancements in encouraging and empowering dance education around the United States. She notes one memorable collaboration with a professor at Oakland University, who went on to adapt 45 courses from the nonprofit.
Prior to embarking upon her professional journey, Ms. McGreevy-Nichols first pursued her own education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education and health from the University of Rhode Island in 1974. Ms. McGreevy-Nichols’ potential was quickly recognized by others. She became one of just a few members of her graduating class to immediately secure a teaching position.
In addition to teaching, Ms. McGreevy-Nichols has spread her insight in dance through writing as well. Alongside penning a regular magazine column for five years, she co-authored five books on dance education, including reference books for educators and textbooks for high school courses. Most notably, Ms. McGreevy-Nichols wrote the essential dance education handbook, “Experiencing Dance: From Student to Dance Artist,” which had a second edition published in 2004. She considers her writing work to be the greatest achievement of her career, as it has helped to improve dance education on a much wider level.
In 2025, Ms. McGreevy-Nichols retired from her role with the National Dance Education Organization. She hopes to enjoy travel during her retirement, but her love of dance remains. To that end, Ms. McGreevy-Nichols intends to be available for continued consulting opportunities, especially with K-12 programs. She hopes to bring her extensive experience to bear in developing dance programs that schools around the country can continue benefiting from.
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