Yesterday, the Board of Trustees  recognized Rhonda Besel, Cosmetology Instructor, by conferring on her an Award for Excellence in Teaching.

These awards are presented annually to recognize professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. These awards included one Professional Excellence in Service Award and six Awards for Excellence in Teaching across the Minnesota State system.

“Ms. Besel consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship,” said Adenuga Atewologun, president of Riverland Community College. “Her commitment to student learning is exceptional; she creates a positive and open environment in and out of the classroom; and continuously researches, experiments, and develops best practices to engage students. Notably, Ms. Besel has reduced barriers to deep learning, closed achievement gaps, and created innovative solutions for students to succeed.”

“Outstanding educators and administrative and service faculty make it possible for us to provide an extraordinary education for all Minnesotans,” said Michael Vekich, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The programs our faculty deliver – academic programs, advising, financial aid, registration, residential life, and student affairs, just to name a few – are vital to our ability to serve students and communities in every corner of the state.”

“This year’s award recipients are helping Minnesota State build a vibrant, robust, new landscape of learning,” said Devinder Malhotra, chancellor of Minnesota State. “And, importantly, they are not the only winners today. Our students win because of the work they do, whether inside or outside the classroom. Their colleagues win because of the new and transformative approaches they model. And their campuses win because the award recipients are the women and men who drive our collective ability to make good on our compact with the people of Minnesota.”

The Award for Excellence in Teaching acknowledges and rewards exceptional professional accomplishment and encourages ongoing excellence in teaching. The award proclaims, on behalf of the entire system, the Board of Trustees’ pride in the dedication and accomplishment of its faculty who provide instruction that prepares our college and university students for their professional, scholarly and civic lives.