U Professor Emerita was selected by Gov. Mike Leavitt as one of six recipients of this year’s Governor’s Awards in the Arts.

Selected from a pool of 70 applicants, Holt received her recognition for her service as an arts educator. As a faculty member of the U theatre department for 32 years, Holt directed junior high and high school drama festivals at the U. For 15 of those years, she served as department chairwoman.

While serving as chairwoman, the department received national visibility for an acting training program aimed at professors.

Holt has acted in more than 50 leading roles in Utah and the West and served as stage director for 31 productions.

She has written many books on theater including one on the history of Utah theater and has served in leadership positions in many theater and acting associations.