Dennis L. “Denny” Dalen, 88, of Athens died Friday, November 28, 2025 at his home. Born May 22, 1937 in Nelson, Minnesota, he was the son of the late Clarence and Francis Olsen Dalen.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Speech and English from St. Cloud State University and his master’s degree in Theatre from the University of Kansas. There he began his teaching career and then became part of the faculty at Ohio University in 1968.
Denny was a Professor Emeritus of Theater and Head of the Acting program at Ohio University. In 1995 he was a University Professor Award recipient and was a defining force in the Ohio University School of Theater for more than 40 years. Known simply as “Denny,” a testament to the mutual respect he fostered with students, he met learners where they were and encouraged them to take creative risks and to trust their artistic instincts.
He taught students the craft of Acting and maintained an excellent reputation as a professor. As the head of Performance, his leadership helped establish the school’s enduring culture of community. Instrumental in commemorating the college’s 75th Anniversary, he leaves a legacy as a mentor whose generosity, imagination and commitment continue to shape the experiences of students and colleagues.
Denny is survived by his two daughters, Courtney Dalen Hensley and her husband Kevin of Atlanta, GA and Lauryn Dalen of Athens; his grandchildren, Cole Hensley and Colin Hensley; a sister, Elaine Dalen Adams and her husband Mike of Florida.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Marcia Dalen, who passed away February 19, 2025; and two brothers Swede Dalen and Neal Dalen.
The family has asked that memorial gifts be made in Denny's honor to The Alumni and Friends of the “The Denny Award” (an annual student scholarship). You may go online to https://bit.ly/dennydalen or send a check made payable to “Ohio University Foundation” (with Alumni & Friends of Denny Dalen Award in the memo line) to: The Ohio University Foundation; PO Box 869; Athens, OH 45701.
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