James L. Boyd, III, Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance, is the recipient of Troy University’s 2023 Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.
Boyd received the award from TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Lance Tatum during the University’s annual Honors Convocation held Monday night in the Claudia Crosby Theater on the Troy Campus.
The Ingalls Award is given annually to the teacher on the Troy Campus who has “most diligently, effectively and cheerfully conducted his or her classes during the current academic year.” Students nominate faculty members for the award, and a committee of students and faculty advisors selects the recipient. The award consists of a statue of Socrates, a plaque and a check for $1,000.
Boyd said he was surprised and honored to receive the award and that the recognition is confirmation of the important role of communication and the arts.
“I’m honored. Challenge accepted to continue,” he said. “There are several reasons why I would rather teach than performing in front of thousands. It is important that the select few will hear, understand, learn and have an overall outcome and then go out and share their truth and identity. Over the years, that adds up and the ratio is far more than if I were to perform time and time again in arenas of audiences around the world. It is confirmation that we are taking the potential that exists and turning it into kinetic energy to propel forward. These long-term learners are receiving that information and there is a high possibility that they are going to pass it on. How neat is that?”
Boyd, an artist born and raised in Jacksonville, Fla., has toured and entertained the world with the knowledge of 10 professional styles of dance under his belt. A graduate of the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Boyd received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SUNY Purchase College in 2010 in Dance and Choreography.
Boyd has performed with artists such as Elton John, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige and Bruce Springsteen. He was a guest artist with the hit dance show, “So You Think You Can Dance” and a semi-finalist on the well-known show, “America’s Got Talent.” While performing around the world, entertaining in 30 countries and over 80 cities with the Bad Boys of Dance and Bad Boys of Ballet, he shared the stage with greats such as Misty Copeland, Joseph Gatti and Rasta Thomas.
Boyd produced his first dance show for Northeast Florida in 2012 titled, “Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet.” His passion for community most notably is demonstrated through his recently incorporated not-for-profit endeavor known as Art In Flight, Inc. As Founder and CEO, he activated its mission in 2016 and begun fundraising in addition to and outside the Cultural Council on behalf of arts agencies throughout Greater Jacksonville. Art in Flight’s mission is to enhance the development and sustainability of arts organizations in Northeast Florida in order to educate citizens, increase arts appreciation and support, foster an arts rich culture and, in turn, help grow Jacksonville into a nationally beloved, thought-leading city.
Boyd also serves as an international faculty member for the Manhattan Dance Project and a former Artist-In-Residence at Jacksonville University.
