Vice-Chair

2020-Present

Director of Human Resources at Wesley Theological Seminary

Find her on LinkedIn

Full Biography | Joy of Motion News

Q: Welcome to the board, Dr. Hoover! Can you tell our community a bit about your background and what you’re bringing to the Board?

A: I have more than 13 years of experience in higher education having served in student services, governance, classroom instruction, and administration. In addition, I have experience as a compliance officer (Title IX) and human resources professional. Because I work in an higher education institution that is a 501 (c) 3, I bring an awareness and knowledge of non-profit organizational management. Because I have experience serving the multitude of stakeholders in my place of employment (students, staff, board, faculty, community partners), I am hopeful my exposure will give me the foresight to look at things from both the macro and micro levels (as I learn how Joy of Motion operates).

Q: Why did you choose to come to Joy of Motion?

A: When I started dancing in the church, we were encouraged to take dance classes outside of our normal rehearsals and gatherings. One of my liturgical dance teachers suggested Joy of Motion and I ultimately found my way to all three studios. I not only began taking classes for myself but I took classes because I needed inspiration to create dance pieces for church.

Q: What type of experience or expertise do you bring to the Board?

A: As a senior administrator, I have worked with the president and board of my school for several years now. I currently serve on the board’s finance committee and investment committee. In addition, I sit on the institution’s strategic planning; diversity; and accreditation committees. I am also involved with another board that is focused specifically on theological education and Appalachia. Lastly, I bring my knowledge of human resources to Joy of Motion.

Q: Where did you study? What certifications do you hold? 

A: I have a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville,  a Master of Divinity & Doctor of Ministry, Arts & Theology from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a SHRM-CP Certification from the Society of Human Resource Management.

Q: Are you a dancer? Are you a dancer? If so, what styles have you taken and how many years of experience do you have?

A: Yes, I have more than 20 years of experience in Jazz, African, Modern, Liturgical/Interpretive dance.

Q: What was your first experience with dance or what drew you to dance initially?

A: First experience was when I was about 8 years old. I was extremely pigeon-toed when I was a kid and my mom thought that dance would help me develop a turn-out. She enrolled me in ballet, tap, jazz, and gymnastics and I took classes for about 3 years. I stopped dance instruction and didn’t pick dance up again until I became an adult and have now been dancing regularly for about 20 years.

Q: What are you passionate about working towards as a Board member? What do you see as an exciting or strategic goal during your term?

A: First, I am a lover of dance and to be involved in a dance organization is particularly exciting for me. Thus, I am hopeful that my passion for dance and my work in an educational setting will help set Joy of Motion on a path of continued success.

Q: What classes do you recommend for community members?

A: I recommend any jazz or modern class!

Q: What do you do outside of your work with Joy of Motion?

A: Dance, yoga, read, spend time with friends and family.

 

About Dr. Josie Hoover:

Dr. Josie Hoover is a 2008 & 2015 graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary. She is currently on staff at Wesley Theological Seminary as the Director of Human Resources & Adjunct Professor of Liturgical Dance for the Henry Luce III Center for the Arts & & Adjunct Professor of Liturgical Dance for the Henry Luce III Center for the Arts & conference facilitator and chaplain in her capacity as a liturgical dancer. With inspiration from her doctoral thesis, “Liturgical Dance as Transformative Worship: Meeting God Through Movement,” Josie teaches courses on theory and practice; embodiment; and dance as a spiritual practice. She is a contributing author to the academic resource book, “Engage: A Theological Field Education Toolkit” and the online dance magazine, book, “Engage: A Theological Field Education Toolkit” and the online dance magazine, board of the Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center, Inc. (AMERC) based in Berea, KY and as a mentor for RISE Together National Mentoring Network DC.

 

Joy of Motion News