2023 Outstanding Educator selected

We are pleased to announce that Kent Dahlman has been selected as this year’s Outstanding Educator for Minnesota West. As such, Kent will represent our college as a candidate for the Minnesota State Board of Trustees Educator of the year. Outstanding Educators are faculty identified at a college or university who are exemplary educators, identified through a local committee process, and nominated by the college or university president for selection as an Educator of the Year.

In September, nominations were requested from staff and faculty based on the award guidelines. After the survey closed, the college Deans developed the formal nominations and the decision was reviewed by a college-wide committee. Provost, Arthur Brown, submitted the nominee, on November 1. 

The month of November gives the Minnesota State committee a review period, and in December the Board of Trustees will approve the recommendations. Award winners will be announced in January 2023. Presentation of awards to all Outstanding Educators and Educators of the Year will be made at an awards event in St. Paul, expected to be hosted in April or May 2023.

Kent Dahlman demonstrates a commitment to teaching and serving the communities in Southwestern Minnesota which are some of the most diverse in the state, including the City of Worthington, which is Mr. Dahlman’s primary campus. In the City of Worthington, more than 30 languages and 50 dialects are spoken.  Immigrants and refugees from around the world make their homes in this region, and Mr. Dahlman has worked to deepen his understanding of these groups to increase the efficacy of his teaching and interactions with his students. Mr. Dahlman’s work in the Communication Studies Department at Minnesota West, including the courses he teaches like Intercultural Communication, aligns well with his commitment to culturally responsive classrooms. 

Mr. Dahlman has resurrected study away/abroad opportunities for Minnesota West, combining his passion for communication with travel. This global awareness also benefits his students.  He led a small group to Puerto Rico in the spring of 2022 and is leading a Storytelling in Ireland group in the Spring of 2023.  He has been instrumental in reviving this program at the college, to the benefit of students, staff, and faculty, which is all part of his efforts in expanding global competence and understanding. 

It is Kent’s commitment to furthering his and his student's cultural understanding that makes him an exceptional candidate for this award.  Having participated in the Cultural Competency and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy training here in Worthington, along with ISD 518 faculty and staff, and completing the Intercultural development inventories (IDIs), these have been avenues for Kent to continue his own cultural learning and understanding and to share that knowledge with his students.  In addition, Kent attended the Cultures on the Prairie cultural competency training in the spring of 2022 at Southwest Minnesota State University and learned about micro-aggressions and more about the people that live and learn in Southwestern, Minnesota.  This aligns with his support of the Minnesota State system’s Equity 2030 goals.      

Kent’s leadership in areas of cultural awareness, communication, and global education is evidenced by the work he does at our institution.  

“While developing and offering new courses can be a challenge, Mr. Dahlman has a positive attitude and willingness to try new avenues and opportunities.  I look forward to his continued programmatic work and engagement college-wide to expand offerings in his area of expertise. Our students benefit greatly from his willingness to stretch professionally!” – Dr. Kayla Westra, Dean of Liberal Arts and K-12 Partnerships, Minnesota West CTC

We would also like to congratulate the following academic division finalists for their selection and contribution to Minnesota West:

Allied Health: Stacy Christensen

Math/Science: Heidi Tarus

Trades: Shawn Berning

Humanities/Fine Arts: Kent Dahlman

Social Sciences: Anita Gaul

The Minnesota State Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes the skillful methods of teaching, attention to student learning, and faculty subject matter expertise. The primary criterion is a skill in teaching that is inclusive, innovative, learning-centered, and collaborative. The award reflects the commitment to providing high-quality instruction that prepares college and university students of Minnesota State for their professional, scholarly, and civic lives.