TEMPE, AZ, September 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Lyn Dutson is a distinguished biographee of Marquis Who's Who. She was recently spotlighted in New York City's Times Square on a 22-story screen that is passed by an estimated 1.5 million people daily. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are chosen from among a pool of the most prominent professionals and are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Dutson has dedicated nearly five decades to the field of theater education, leaving an indelible mark on her students and colleagues. Her career began as a lecturer at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, from 1967 to 1968, where she imparted her knowledge of theater history. This role laid the foundation for her future endeavors in academia. In 1969, Ms. Dutson joined Mesa Community College (MCC) in Mesa, Arizona, as a faculty member, a position she held until 2009. During her tenure, she taught various aspects of technical theater, including set design and lighting, while also directing and designing costumes for numerous productions. Her dedication to the craft earned her a nomination for MCC's Hall of Fame.

In 2010, Ms. Dutson was honored with the title of professor emeritus at MCC within the Maricopa County Community College District. Her expertise in teaching theater history is widely recognized, and she has been an active member of several professional organizations, including the United States Institute for Theatre Technology Inc., the Costume Society of America and the Smithsonian Institution. Additionally, she served as president of the MCC Faculty Senate from 2005 to 2006 and was a senator from 1982 to 2006.

Ms. Dutson's academic journey began at Arizona State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1966 and a Master of Arts in 1967. Her thesis, "The Attitude of Seven Negro American Playwrights Toward the Doctrines of Négritude and Assimilation," reflects her deep engagement with cultural and historical themes. Beyond academia, she holds certifications as an actor/combatant from the Society of American Fight Directors and has achieved black belts in both the Goju Shorei weapons system and the Arizona Chuan Fa Society.

Ms. Dutson's passion for theater was ignited by Richard Hutchinson, her high school play director and history teacher. His unique approach to teaching history through storytelling inspired Ms. Dutson's own educational philosophy. At Arizona State University, she found further mentorship under Joanne Briggs in the theater department, where they collaborated on costuming projects.

Ms. Dutson's commitment to civic engagement is evident through her involvement with various organizations, such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and Paralyzed Veterans of America. She has supported food banks and medical organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and Mercy Ships, and these organizations have acknowledged her contributions for her longstanding support.

Throughout her career, Ms. Dutson directed more than 80 productions and designed costumes for over 150 dramatic productions between 1969 and 2009. Her work earned her numerous accolades, including an AriZoni Award for Costuming Excellence in 2002 and an Arizona Theatre Alliance Award in 2000. She was also recognized as the Faculty Member of the Year at MCC.

In her personal life, Ms. Dutson enjoys martial arts, reading various genres including mysteries and science fiction, traveling, gardening, hiking and practicing tai chi. She is proud to be remembered as someone who consistently got the job done through her teaching excellence and contributions to educational programs.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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