The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees presented the system’s highest academic honor, the Educator of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching, to four faculty members, including Sandra Sellner-Wee yesterday during a luncheon in St. Paul.

Sandra Sellner-Wee, instructor of radiography at Riverland Community College gives her students the benefit of the creative variety of teaching methods she uses to teach theory and practice. Connecting with students in innovative ways to enhance learning is a strength she wields with ease, employing a range of methods and tools in her varied and developing approaches to teaching. As a student notes, “She always puts her students first and recognizes the importance of proper training and knowledge to ready us for the workforce.” After graduating with an associate’s degree in radiography from the Mayo School of Health-Related Science and Rochester Community College, Sellner-Wee earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of St. Francis. She is board certified in radiography and mammography, and has worked in several specialty radiography fields for over 26 years.

The other instructors awarded yesterday included Deanna Forsman of North Hennepin Community College, Cheryl Neudauer of Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Cheryl Tefer of Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

The MnSCU Board of Trustees bestows the award to acknowledge and reward exceptional professional accomplishment and to encourage ongoing excellence in teaching. The winners were selected from 30 faculty members named Outstanding Educators by the presidents of their respective institutions based on nominations by students, faculty peers or staff. Evaluation criteria include: content expertise and professional growth; teaching strategies and materials; assessment of student learning and performance; and service to students, the profession, the institution, and the system. This is the eighth year of the awards.

“For our students to succeed and for Minnesota to prosper, we need amazing faculty members like those who were honored today,” said Clarence Hightower, chair of the Board of Trustees. “They are a tremendous state resource.”

“These great teachers serve our students each and every day, opening doors and creating brighter futures for all Minnesotans,” said Steven Rosenstone, MnSCU chancellor. “Their commitment to our students is remarkable. I am proud to be associated with their work and the excellence they deliver.”