The Distinguished Education Professional award from North Dakota State University recognizes area educators who are advocates for access to higher education and who work effectively with the NDSU Office of Admission.
Recipients are nominated by NDSU Office of Admission staff based on leadership, commitment and excellence in supporting access to higher education and support of NDSU’s recruiting efforts. The Distinguished Education Professionals are honored at an annual ceremony in the spring.
2024 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Josie Lange, Chaska High School, Chaska, MN
- Edwin Kitzes, United Tribes Technical College, Bismarck, ND
- Jamie Zuel, West Fargo High School, West Fargo, ND
- Kris Krause, Hazen High School, Hazen, ND
2023 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Ann Kjorstad, Academy of Holy Angels, Richfield, MN
- Kim Hruba, Warroad High School, Warroad, MN
- Kristi Voth, New England Public School, New England, ND
- Mackenzie Tadych, Northern Cass Public School, Hunter, ND
2022 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Julie Anderson, White Bear Lake Area High School, White Bear Lake, MN
- Lizzie McNamara, Eden Prairie High School, Eden Prairie, MN
- Monica Peterson, Moorhead High School, Moorhead, MN
- David Myers, Lincoln High School, Sioux Falls, SD
2021 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Bobbi Jo Young, Shiloh Christian School, Bismarck, ND
- Sara Mack, North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND
- Jim Johnson, North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND
2020 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Brenda Akin, John Marshall School, Rochester, MN
- Joan Copenhaver, Carrington High School, Carrington, ND
- Jenna Damm, Henning Public School, Henning, MN
- Tara Halvorson, Chaska High School, Chaska, MN
- Megan Kimble, Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, MN
2019 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Rachel Meuchel, Watford City High School, Watford City, ND
- Molly Bonnett, Forest Lake Area High School, Forest Lake, MN
- Courtney Roach, Bertha-Hewitt Public Schools, Bertha, MN
- Hannalee Shaw, North High School, Fargo, ND
- Beatrice Streitz, New Town High School, New Town, ND
- Julie Hersch, West Fargo High School, West Fargo, ND
2017 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Kyle Gylland, Barnesville High School, Barnesville, MN
- Emily Mattran, Chanhassen High School, Chanhassen, MN
- Kelsey Beckstrom, Oakes High School, Oakes, ND
- Heather Schieno, Dickinson Trinity High School/Belfield High School, Dickinson, ND
- Leslye Erzberger, Centennial High School, Circle Pines, MN
2016 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Barry Cervenka, Bemidji High School, Bemidji, MN
- Susan Farbo, Delano High School, Delano, MN
- Jim Keal, South High School, Fargo, ND
- Michelle Mazanec, Osseo High School, Osseo, MN
- Micki O'Flynn, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Minneapolis, MN
- Joe Snowden, Kindred High School, Kindred, ND
2015 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Judi Anderson, Alexandria Technical and Community College, Alexandria, MN
- Michael Biermaier, Highland Park Senior High School, St. Paul, MN
- Thane Grewatz, Falls High School, International Falls, MN
- Sarah Kjos, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School, Dilworth, MN
- Angela Longtin, North Border Walhalla High School, Walhalla, ND
- Tina Proctor, Academy of Holy Angels, Richfield, MN
- Janelle Stahl Ladbury, Fargo North High School, Fargo, ND
2014 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Leanne Benes, Beach High School, Beach, ND
- Vanessa Boehm, Fargo Davies High School, Fargo, ND
- Yvonne Engelhart, Wishek Public School, Wishek, ND
- Richard Kangas, Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids, MN
- Thomas McIver, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School, Walker, MN
2013 Distinguished Education Professionals
- Joyce Bergstedt, Esko Public Schools, Esko, MN
- Terri Court, Fargo North High School, Fargo, ND
- Orville Drosdal, New Town High School, New Town, ND
- Rose Krumwiede, Fargo South High School, Fargo, ND
- Connie Pearson, Maple Grove Senior High School, Maple Grove, MN
- Dave Schill, Hillsboro High School, Hillsboro, ND
- Jill Vollmers, Wing High School, Wing, ND