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William D.

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General Our culture Role Why us Work life with us

Top Advice

"Be willing to say yes to opportunities before you feel fully ready. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. Also, build a diverse skill set especially in creative fields. The ability to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and execute ideas will set you apart in any industry. Finally, invest in relationships. Your network peers, mentors, collaborators—will shape your career just as much as your technical skills."

Career path

Northern Michigan University

Director of SISU The Innovation Institue

From Jul 2021 to Present

I lead SISU, NMU’s university-wide innovation hub, driving strategy, programs, and partnerships that turn bold ideas into real-world impact. My work centers on building a culture of creativity, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration across campus and community. I oversee innovation funding initiatives, guide cross-disciplinary projects from concept to implementation, and support the Academic Innovation Process by helping emerging ideas grow into sustainable programs and partnerships. SISU connects students, faculty, and external partners through applied research, design thinking, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for evolving industries.

Northern Michigan University

Department Head & Professor Theatre and Dance

From Jul 2017 to Present

I serve as the department head for the Department of Theatre and Dance, providing strategic direction, organizational leadership, and program innovation within a collaborative, student-centered arts environment. My work focuses on building high-performing teams and a culture grounded in trust, mentorship, and shared accountability, ensuring that faculty, staff, and students operate as a unified creative community. I lead long-range academic planning, curriculum development, and program growth, aligning experiential learning, industry engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration with broader institutional priorities and workforce relevance. In addition to academic leadership, I provide executive oversight for a comprehensive production enterprise that functions as both an educational laboratory and a public-facing cultural asset. I guide enrollment strategy, recruitment partnerships, and outreach initiatives that expand program visibility and access to arts education, while stewarding departmental budgets, production resources, and capital planning to support sustainable growth. Externally, I represent the department in university leadership initiatives and regional partnerships, cultivating relationships with industry professionals, community stakeholders, and supporters to position the department as a vital contributor to cultural, educational, and economic development. My leadership centers on building inclusive creative ecosystems where people thrive, collaborate, and prepare for evolving professional landscapes.

Florida State University

Graduate Student

From Aug 2008 to May 2011

Graduate student in the Florida State University - School of Theatre. Achieved a Masters of Fine Arts in Technical Production and Design.

Double Trouble Entertainment

Owner

From Mar 2003 to Present

Owner & Executive Producer Double Trouble Entertainment March 2003 – Present I lead a full-service live event and entertainment production company delivering high-impact experiences for corporate, nonprofit, and private clients. My work sits at the intersection of storytelling, technical production, and audience engagement — bringing theatrical thinking into the live events and experiential space. I oversee creative direction, production strategy, and operational leadership across a wide range of projects, from executive conferences and brand activations to festivals and large-scale celebrations. I translate client vision into immersive environments, guiding everything from concept development and entertainment programming to staging, lighting, audio, video, and show flow. Beyond the creative, I manage budgets, contracts, vendor partnerships, and production teams to ensure events are delivered on time, on budget, and at a high artistic and technical standard. I serve as the primary client partner throughout the process, known for calm leadership, collaborative design, and creative problem-solving under pressure. Through Double Trouble Entertainment, I’ve produced hundreds of live experiences that combine performance-driven energy with technical precision — creating events that feel less like meetings and more like moments people remember.

About William D.

Key Experience

My career path has been anything but linear—and that’s been its...

My career path has been anything but linear—and that’s been its greatest strength. I began as a student at Northern Michigan University studying theatre and communication, and quickly found my passion at the intersection of creativity, production, and leadership. After earning my MFA in Technical Production and Design, I worked professionally in live event production, managing large-scale experiences and building industry connections through roles like Production Manager for Live Design International. Returning to NMU as a faculty member allowed me to bring that real-world experience into the classroom. Over time, I’ve stepped into leadership roles, including Department Head of Theatre & Dance and Director of SISU: The Innovation Institute. My path has consistently been about building bridges—between education and industry, creativity and strategy, and ideas and execution.

Current Position

I currently serve as the Department Head and Professor of Theatre &...

I currently serve as the Department Head and Professor of Theatre & Dance at Northern Michigan University, as well as the Director of SISU: The Innovation Institute. In my role, I oversee a highly active production program—typically 14–15 fully mounted productions each year—while leading faculty, managing curriculum, and ensuring our students receive meaningful, hands-on experiences. At SISU, I work to drive innovation initiatives, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and help students, faculty, and community partners turn ideas into real-world solutions. At its core, my position is about leadership, vision, and creating opportunities—both on stage and far beyond it.

Main Motivation

What motivates me most is the opportunity to create impact at...

What motivates me most is the opportunity to create impact at scale. I get to work with incredibly talented students and colleagues every day, helping them realize their potential while building something bigger than any one production or program. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student walk in with an idea and leave with the confidence, skills, and experience to bring it to life whether that’s on stage, in a design lab, or out in the professional world. I also thrive on the ability to innovate within higher education challenging traditional models and finding new ways to connect creativity, entrepreneurship, and learning.

Top Advice

Be willing to say yes to opportunities before you feel fully ready....

Be willing to say yes to opportunities before you feel fully ready. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. Also, build a diverse skill set especially in creative fields. The ability to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and execute ideas will set you apart in any industry. Finally, invest in relationships. Your network peers, mentors, collaborators—will shape your career just as much as your technical skills.

Greatest Achievement

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T. H.

Assistant Director of Employment Operations and Training

Top Advice

Identify your strengths and be sure they are the foundation of your...

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