Renee Gallagher, MEd, is a self-proclaimed “lifelong learner”, an insatiable reader of research articles, and a lover of solving puzzles. She’s also a dancer, a social innovator, a former small business owner, and a member of the UK College of Medicine Office for Organizational Well-Being (OWB).
Growing up as a low-income, first-generation college student, higher education wasn’t initially within reach for Renee. Fate intervened, however, when a coupon for a free dance lesson found its way onto her family’s car windshield in New Jersey. This small moment ignited a passion for dance that would shape much of Renee’s career. Dance became an artistic outlet and a lifeline for her—providing financial stability, a sense of purpose, and a means to express creativity.
By eighth grade, Renee was already working at the dance school to pay for lessons, demonstrating an early entrepreneurial spirit. This spirit carried her into the world of business ownership where she owned and operated dance-related businesses in California and Kentucky for nearly sixteen years.
As a professional competitive ballroom dancer, she won the US National Professional Rising Star Rhythm Championship and continued dancing professionally until an untimely injury forced her to retire early from dancing at just 28.
Looking to discover a new passion, Renee turned to education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Kentucky, graduating summa cum laude in 2017, followed by a Master of Education degree in instructional design from Western Governors University.
Embracing her love for learning, Renee is now pursuing a doctoral degree in education instruction and administration while working full-time at the College of Medicine.
Part of Renee’s OWB role is about fostering connections and building community, which are goals that have driven her throughout her life. Though she vowed to leave dance behind following her injury, Renee realized that dance had been a cornerstone of her sense of community. Kentucky lacked the vibrant dance culture she had known living in Northern California, and this void sparked her interest in bringing dance to rural areas.
Her passion for making dance accessible, even in places where there are no instructors or studios, ultimately led to the development of her "Sway2Go" program. This initiative introduces the concept of social dance in a simplified, accessible format that can be enjoyed anywhere—from hallways to open spaces—allowing people to connect through movement.
Renee’s work doesn’t just stop at implementation; she is deeply involved in the creation and ongoing development of these programs. For instance, she’s currently working with UK Innovate and the Office Technology Commercialization on refining "Sway2Go" curriculum, with plans to pilot a “train-the-trainer” model soon.
Her approach is iterative and collaborative, constantly seeking feedback and adjusting based on the needs of the community. Renee approaches new ideas with a mix of excitement and a cautious pace, ensuring that the OWB programs are as impactful as possible.
“The Arts for Well-Being in Academic Medicine program is fueled by Renee’s passion for dance, art, and building community,” shared Lisa Williams, MSSA, associate dean for well-being. “She is delivering innovative programs that mirror emerging research about the impact arts have on health care providers.”
In addition to launching a “Sway2Go” program, OWB has implemented other well-being initiatives that align with promoting community. "Colors and Connections," created by the Foundation for Arts & Healing, for example, uses coloring and storytelling as tools to build relationships on campus. Renee has facilitated “Colors and Connections” activities with faculty, staff, and learners in Lexington and Morehead, with plans to visit other College of Medicine campuses in Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky next year.
The office is also launching a new program in early 2025 called “Visual Explorer.” Developed by the Center for Creative Leadership, this program uses images to facilitate powerful conversations.
The full list of programmatic offerings from the Office for Organizational Well-Being, including upcoming events, can be found on our website.
