Distinguished Teaching Award

The Distinguished Teaching Award was established in 1982 at the University of Minnesota Crookston to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to teaching. The award symbolizes U of M Crookston commitment to excellence in teaching.  Again this year, one cash award of $250 will be presented to the award recipient along with an individual plaque.  The recipient's name will also be added to the plaque located in the Sahlstrom Conference Center honoring all previous recipients.

How to nominate...

Eligibility
  1. Includes all full-time U of M Crookston faculty/staff engaged in a minimum of 50 percent time teaching at U of M Crookston and have completed three or more years prior to the nomination of the award.
  2. Nominations will be accepted from students, colleagues, alumni, U of M Crookston clubs or organizations, academic units, and/or individual faculty and staff. Please see Nomination Procedure section below for the guidelines in submitting nominations.
  3. Previous recipients are eligible after five years have passed from the last time the award was received.
  4. The files of unsuccessful nominees will remain active for two additional years for later consideration.
Evaluation Criteria

Selection of the award recipient will be based on the documents that support each nomination. The following items will be considered:

Teaching Effectiveness

  • Use of current, innovative, and effective teaching practices.
  • Ability to stimulate students to be successful academically.
  • Course material presented is current.

Student Development

  • Success in helping students develop their leadership and social skills.
  • Availability and willingness to help students.

Educational Leadership

  • Contributions to teaching through seminars, articles, and other professional activities.
  • Educational contributions to U of M Crookston.

Review of all nominations and selection of the Distinguished Teaching Award recipient is the responsibility of the Faculty Awards Committee.

Nomination Procedure

Nominations should be in the following format in a folder and should include the following information:

  1. Letter of nomination (submitted by the nominator) summarizing the nominee’s qualifications as they relate to the Evaluation Criteria (see next section).
  2. Vitae with:
    • departmental, collegiate, and university committee involvement;
    • publication record;
    • courses taught;
    • course development;
    • advising assignments;
    • list of teaching related materials which have been developed.
  3. Evidence of improvement of teaching.
  4. Peer or colleague evaluations (maximum of three letters supporting the nomination; letters should address items listed under Evaluation Criteria). Note: Letters will be solicited by an individual other than the nominee.
  5. Alumni evaluations (maximum of three letters supporting the nomination; letters should address items listed under Evaluation Criteria). Note: Letters will be solicited by an individual other than the nominee.
Evaluation Procedure and Dates

Review of all nominations and selection of the Distinguished Scholar Award recipient is the responsibility of the Faculty Awards Committee.

DateTask Due
Monday, December 9, 2024Names of the nominees are due
Friday, January 31, 2025Letters of nomination for nominees are due
Friday, March 7, 2025Nominees to have files completed and turned in
Monday, April 7, 2025Committee votes for nominees
Tuesday, April 8, 2025Faculty Assembly is notified of award recipients
Friday, April 11, 2025Award winners’ names are sent to Chris Winjum

Past Recipients...

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Past Recipients...

Award Recipients

2024

Megan Bell

2023

Kara Bowen

2022

Danielle Johannesen

2021

Leslie Lekatz

2020

Nicky Overgaard

2019

Karen Miller

2018

Rob Proulx

2017

Mark Huglen PhD

2016

Paul Aakre

2015

Margot Rudstrom

2014

Terrill Giannonatti-Bradford

2013

Rachel McCoppin

2012

Kenneth Johnson

2011

Pam Elf

2010

Kevin Thompson

2009

Rhett Johnson

2008

Christo Robberts

2007

David DeMuth

2006

Harouna Maiga

2005

John Loegering

2004

Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson PhD

2003

Susan Brorson PhD

2002

Roger Wagner

2001

Paul Holm

2000

Lynnette Mullins

1999

Charles "Chuck" Habstritt

1998

Wendell Johnson

1997

Glenice Johnson

1996

Lyle Westrom

1995

Dan Svedarsky

1994

William "Bill" Peterson

1993

Phil Baird

1992

Ken Myers

1991

Bernard Selzler

1990

Jerome "Jerry" Knutson

1989

Betty Brecto

1988

Sharon Stewart

1987

Robert Johnson

1986

Susan Brorson PhD

1985

Alice Moorhead

1984

William "Bill" Peterson

1983

Harvey Peterson

Megan Bell holding her Distinguished Teaching award plaque outside of the Northern Lights Lounge
2023 Distinguished Teaching Award - Kara Bowen
Danielle Johannesen holding her Distinguished Teaching Plaque near the Northern Lights Lounge
Leslie Lekatz
Karen Miller holding her Distinguished Teaching plaque near the Northern Lights Lounge
Rob Proulx
Mark Huglen
Paul Aakre