HONOLULU -- University of Hawaii professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, W. Dennis Carroll, received the 2009 Robert W. Clopton Award for Distinguished Community Service.

The Clopton award recognizes UH faculty members for playing a significant role in the community by applying intellectual leadership and expertise to the improvement of a community.

Carroll, who has devoted over 40 years to theater in Hawaii, was influential in the creation of the Kumu Kahua Theatre, a 100-seat playhouse in downtown Honolulu, devoted to produce plays written by local writers and provide opportunities for local actors. He was also influential in promoting theater in the university, including getting students to write plays, as well as collaborating on school productions.

"Professor Carroll has contributed so much to our academic programs and the lives of so many people in our UH Mānoa ‘ohana," Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw said in a statement. "He is a treasure, and we are grateful for his presence. This recognition for his service is highly deserved—he makes all of us better through his example."

Carroll will be recognized for his achievements at the annual convocation ceremony in the fall at the UH Manoa campus.