Northern Kentucky University’s long time professor and theatre and dance chair died on Nov. 10.

Joe Conger, who was suffering from cancer, taught at NKU since 1984 and served as the chair of the theatre and dance department for 12 years, until he was forced to step down due to his illness.

Besides instructing choreography, directing, musical theater, design and acting classes, Conger also directed many NKU performances including “Li’l Abner,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Dark of the Moon” and “Royal Hunt of the Sun.”

While Conger headed the theatre department it grew in size and recognition. In addition to his work at NKU Conger also had much freelance success.

Conger worked outside of NKU as both a director and choreographer. In his last six years, he played an integral role in more than 12 musical performances.

Conger first studied at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where he received a bachelor’s degree. After that he studied in England and Ireland with the aid of the James Drama Guild Scholarship. Upon his return to the United States, he earned a graduate’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, N.C.

NKU will host a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Corbett Theatre.