Murray State College’s School of Arts, Education and Social Sciences Dean, Susan Yeager, was one of 31 Oklahomans selected to join the Oklahoma Arts Council Leadership Arts XII class.

The state agency’s nationally recognized flagship leadership development program is offered every two years and equips 30 individuals throughout the state to become leaders and advocates for the arts in their communities.

“I’m honored to be chosen for this amazing experience,” said Yeager. “I’ve gained ideas of how to leverage the arts for my programs and our communities. It’s wonderful to be with others who know how essential the arts are to us.”

Yeager and the other members will participate in four, two-day sessions held in the spring where they will learn strategies for employing the arts as tools for boosting economic development, strengthening education and enriching quality of life.

“The 31 individuals selected for the class have demonstrated great vision and passion, and a desire to discover how the arts fuel strong communities,” said Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples. “We look forward to equipping them as we broaden this network of leaders.”

In 2015, Yeager joined the Murray State faculty as the Chair of the Arts and Humanities Division. She has also been performing professionally for more than 20 years all over the world. Yeager is the owner of Susan Pfau Yeager Studios and is the co-owner of Marvin's Place Art Gallery, both located in Ardmore's Depot District. She also directs plays at the Ardmore Little Theatre. In April 2013, Yeager created Noel Productions, Inc., a professional theatre company in Ardmore; through that, she produced, wrote, directed and performed in Noel: A Celebration of Christmas 2013 and The Life That Late I Led – A One Woman Show – about her life and career in show business.

“Susan has unique ways of introducing cultural arts to everyone,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “She has a passion for the arts and it shows in everything she does.”

Yeager and her husband, Todd, live in Ardmore, Oklahoma. She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree at Arizona State University, and her Master of Music Degree and Artist Diploma at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.