Springfield, Ohio - Wittenberg associate professor of theatre James Humphries, Jr. has been inducted into the prestigious Ohio Educational Theatre Association's Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place during the 2002 State Thespian Conference, and the honor places Humphries among an elite group in the State of Ohio. Since the award began in 1997, the number of those elected to the Hall of Fame each year may vary from none to no more than four. Inductees are selected based on their service to Ohio Thespians.

The technical director and designer for two statewide high school theatre productions, Humphries has presented countless workshops at local and statewide Thespian conferences, and he developed the stage management individual event on behalf of the Ohio Educational Theatre Association (OedTA) state board.

According to the nomination letter, "Jimmy is always available to help Thespians whenever they ask, taking time to teach something new to every student involved in a production or workshop."

"Jimmy is an advocate, a role model, a mentor and an incredibly talented theatre professional," one nominator said. "His enthusiasm for the work [Ohio Thespians] do is contagious and uplifting. The Thespians are lucky to count him as one of their friends."

Humphries joined the Wittenberg faculty in 1992 and has served on the faculty at Antioch University, Texas A& M University, and the Universities of Nebraska and Idaho. He received a bachelor of art degree from Southern Arkansas University and a master of fine arts degree from the University of Idaho.

"When I learned of this award and then realized the company I'd be joining, I was most honored," Humphries said. "To be recognized in this manner for doing what I love, which is giving students a chance to learn a craft by doing and following an example, further obligates me to continue to share what I've learned with current and future students."

OEdTA annually inducts new members into the Hall of Fame, and those selected must be nominated by a current, adult member of the OEdTA based on the nominees' efforts to advance theatre education and/or their efforts to advance the association's ability to serve members.