Jo Rowan, Chairman of the Dance Department at Oklahoma City University's School of American Dance and Arts Management, is known for her contributions to dance education and the preservation of American tap and jazz dance. She recently received two major honors for her years of devotion and work toward sustaining dance in education.

This summer, at the 10th Annual St. Louis Tap Festival, Rowan was presented with the Preservation Award by Robert L. Reed. This award recognized Rowan's efforts in creating the unique dance program at Oklahoma City University's School of American Dance and Arts Management. The program was the first in America to offer a degree specializing in tap and that also offers a jazz and musical theatre dance. She also founded the OCU Living Treasure Award and Preservation of Our Heritage Award. These recognize men and women who have made outstanding contributions to American dance forms by either performance or preservation. Also receiving a Preservation Award from the St. Louis Tap Festival, was John Bedford, Dean of the Oklahoma City University School of American Dance and Arts Management.

Rowan has also been asked by the National Dance Week Committee to serve as the National Education Spokesperson for National Dance Week 2002. According to Patricia A. Goulding, Executive Director, Rowan was chosen for this honor because she is "a strong and worthy role model for the young dancers of America." National Dance Week will be held April 26-May 5, 2002.