William Bill Digneit

About William Bill Digneit

I’m a creative leader who thrives where innovation, creativity, and education intersect. I currently serve as Director of SISU: The Innovation Institute at Northern Michigan University, where I help students, faculty, and community partners turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. I’m also the Department Head and Professor of Theatre & Dance at NMU, where I teach and mentor students while overseeing a dynamic performance season grounded in both tradition and forward-thinking production practices.Beyond the university, I’ve spent over a decade as a Production Manager for LDI, leading event operations for its flagship conferences in Las Vegas and Mexico. I also facilitate the LDI Production Assistant Program, mentoring and supporting 40 emerging professionals from across the country as they gain hands-on experience in the live events industry.I’m the co-founder of Double Trouble Entertainment LLC, a Michigan-based production company specializing in live and corporate events, and a proud part-owner of DIGS Gastropub in Marquette, where creativity extends from the stage to the plate.Whether it’s in a classroom, on a show site, or launching a new venture, I’m passionate about pushing boundaries, building strong teams, and mentoring the next generation of creative professionals.At the heart of everything I do is a simple philosophy: if you take care of your community, your community takes care of you. I’m committed to building meaningful relationships, supporting creative growth, and giving back to the people and places that make bold ideas possible.

Experience

1. Director Sisu the Innovation Institute

   Northern Michigan University

   Jul 2022 — Present · Marquette, MI, US

Education

• Northern Michigan University

  Bachelor's degree

  2003 — 2007

• Florida State University

  Master of Fine Arts - MFA

  2008 — 2010