Dr. Alan Erdahl of Riverland Community College was one of four faculty in the state to win the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees’ highest academic honor, the Educator of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The board bestows the award to acknowledge and reward exceptional professional accomplishment and to encourage ongoing excellence in teaching. Erdahl was selected from a list of 36 faculty members named Outstanding Educators by the presidents of their respective institutions based on nominations from students, faculty peers or staff. Evaluation criteria included: 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.

“These faculty members have all gone well beyond expectations to provide support to their students in achieving their academic goals,” said Clarence Hightower, board chair.

“The work done by our faculty and staff is what makes Minnesota State Colleges and Universities a tremendous state resource,” said Steven Rosenstone, MnSCU chancellor. “We are here today to recognize and honor our award winners for their commitment to quality and excellence.”

Andrew Aspaas of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Darci Goeden of Central Lakes College and Susan Thaemert of Hennepin Technical College also won the award.