PIM: Who is Lynnette Young Overby?

LYO: I play many roles. I am a teacher, advisor, choreographer, dancer, mother, wife, and researcher. I am a member of a number of professional organizations. I am president-elect of the National Dance Association. I have been chair of the College University Council of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

PIM: You are known as a very quiet person. Why is being "quiet" your strength?

LYO: I try to be a good listener and contribute to conversation only after hearing all of the facts. I like to establish goals and filter out all of the necessary information focusing on small steps in order to reach higher goals.

PIM: When did you become interested in athletics? Why physical education?

LYO: I attended a newly integrated high school (in Delaware) and tried out for the cheerleading team but was cut twice. I made the team on the third try. I persevered and figured out what I needed to do to improve. My family was very supportive. While in high school I became interested in a career in dance. I could have gone the professional route but, I looked at my options, decided to attend college, get my graduate degree, and teach. I attended Hampton Institute and received a Bachelor's in physical education. After receiving my Bachelor's degree I attended George Washington University and received a Master's degree in Dance Education.

PIM: What was it like attending a Black college after attending an integrated but predominately white high school?

LYO: Even though I went to an integrated high school, it was in Dover, Delaware, and I still felt segregated and separated. Going to Hampton (Virginia) was good for my self-esteem. Heritage and culture are important, and it's also good to have important Black role models (like professors). They provided much attention which helped me get through college.

PIM: What happened afterwards?

LYO: I taught elementary school in Washington, D.C. I taught in one of the poorest sections of town, but I enjoyed working with the kids. I started a dance troop, coached boys and girls track, and boys flag football. Next, I taught at the high school of performing arts in D.C. for one semester. I left the public school system and became an instructor at Coppin State (commuter college in Baltimore). I enjoyed working with the adult students. Once again I organized a performing dance company.

PIM: What happened next?

LYO: I left to become an instructor at Howard. At the same time, I was pursuing my Ph.D. at the University of Maryland (Ph.D. 1986). After I finished my coursework I began to focus on my goal of teaching physical education, dance and motor development with an emphasis in imagery. I was hired by University of Maryland and worked in the Dean's office. As the equity administrator for the College of Health and Human Performance, I sat on the Administrative Council and was instrumental in presenting minority issues and minority affairs. Also, I was a conductor and instructor of dance research.

PIM: Why did you leave Maryland?

LYO: During my three years at Maryland, I tried my best to be diplomatic in my attempt to help make proper changes for both minority and gender issues. I left and went back to Howard primarily because I preferred to have a faculty position at that point in my professional career. While at Howard, I received the call to come to MSU.

PIM: In terms of research and future directions, where do you see yourself going?

LYO: My research has grown out of my interest in teaching. I would like to teach others to "teach" mental imagery skills and have these skills become applicable in different settings. I am also interested in preparing pre-service teachers to help individuals gain knowledge and improve ways of learning (tools) across their life spans. Finally, I hope to continue to develop my abilities in teaching, research and service, so that I can better serve my profession.

PIM: You mentioned that you are a mother and wife.

LYO: My husband is the director of engineering research at MSU. We met many years ago at George Washington University. I have a son who is a college freshman and a daughter who is in the eighth grade.