Laurie Eisenhower, head of Oakland University’s dance program in the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, is being honored with the ArtServe Michigan Governor's Award for Arts and Culture in the Michigan Artist category. The award recognizes her work in choreography and as artistic director of the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. She was selected to receive the award from more than 170 nominees.

Eisenhower is full professor and coordinator of the dance program at OU. In 1997, she received Oakland’s Faculty Recognition Award for her outstanding contributions in dance and, in 2001, was honored with a Travis Professorship. She is the founder and artistic director of the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble and earned her BA and MFA in dance from Arizona State University. She has performed and taught around the country and abroad with various dance companies and choreographers. She also has received numerous grants and awards for her choreography.

The ArtServe Michigan Governor's Awards for Arts and Culture are awarded annually to outstanding Michigan artists and organizations. This year's winners will be honored Monday, Nov. 10, at the new Max M. Fisher Music Center of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in downtown Detroit. Governor Jennifer Granholm is expected to attend.

ArtServe Michigan supports and advocates for the arts and cultural education in the state of Michigan. The organization accomplishes its mission by working with artists, educators, cultural organizations, businesses, volunteers and others through statewide programs, services and a variety of collaborative efforts.