Teresa Spaeth recently joined the University of Minnesota Crookston as the Veden Chair of Rural Economic Development/Director of Strategic initiatives. Previously, Spaeth held executive director positions at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. 

Moreover she  has served as interim dean at White Earth Tribal and Community College.   Spaeth has over 20 years of experience catalyzing rural economic development, spearheading communities of practice in value-added agriculture, renewable energy, conservation and experiential learning.   

Spaeth also serves on the advisory board of Lead for Minnesota, an AmeriCorps program focusing on rural opportunity development as well as the Charities Review Council program committee. Spaeth’s areas of interest include transformation in rural higher education, rural community development and catalyzing rural prosperity.

About UMN Crookston

One of five campuses in the University of Minnesota System, the University of Minnesota Crookston cultivates curiosity by engaging students in hands-on learning connecting theory to practice. As the experienced leader in delivering education online, the Crookston campus offers a distinctive learning environment providing personal attention and mentorship to develop leaders, lifelong learners, and engaged citizens. Visit Crookston at umcrookston.edu 

About UMN

The University of Minnesota System, with campuses in Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and the Twin Cities, is driven by a singular vision of excellence. We are proud of our land-grant mission of world-class education, groundbreaking research, and community-engaged outreach, and we are unified in our drive to serve Minnesota. Learn more at system.umn.edu


Story Contact: Shawn Smith