2025 Stephen Young and Tricia Kinley Distinguished Faculty Award: Professor Paul Truckey

Professor Paul Truckey has been a theatre faculty member since 2003 and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the of the Bachelors of Fine Arts in musical theater and acting, and the Bachelor of Arts degree in theater performance.

He has a proven track record as an instructor, teaching courses ranging from the general education course, The Theatre Experience, to advanced courses including Musical Theatre, Voice and Movement, Directing Theory, and Theatre and Entertainment Careers. In total, Truckey has taught 40 different courses providing a breadth of opportunities to NMU students.

Truckey creates an environment that fosters both his student's technical abilities and their creative instincts. His exemplary performance in the classroom was recognized by his peers as the recipient of the 2014 Excellence in Teaching Award.

Truckey has a distinguished list of accomplishments in performance, directing and producing. As an actor, he has proved that he can "talk the talk as well as walk the walk." As a performer, he has had roles on Broadway, with national touring companies, in regional theatre and many memorable performances on the Forest Roberts Theatre stage.

It is clear to our students that Truckey has performed on the biggest of stages and that his advice and mentorship comes from years of honing his craft through a successful acting career. He has also directed or produced more than 40 productions at NMU. These include musicals, plays, films and radio shows, all of which he has shepherded with the highest level of professionalism. His work is always collaborative, allowing for input from all of those involved and where everyone at the table has an equal voice.

It is for these accomplishments, and many others, that Professor Paul Truckey has been selected as the 2025 Stephen Young and Tricia Kinley Distinguished Faculty Award winner.