The NDSU chapter of Blue Key selected Brenda Deckard, director of plant sciences student services, to receive its Distinguished Educator Award. The honor was presented at a banquet on Dec. 3.
The award was created in 1969 by Blue Key to honor an outstanding educator at NDSU for their extra interest in students and their problems, education, field of expertise and NDSU. The recipient must show outstanding qualities, especially in helping students above and beyond what is required.
Deckard, who has earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from NDSU, joined the university in 1990.
According to Blue Key officer Jessica Wachter, Deckard’s dedication has had a remarkable impact on the NDSU community. “Through sharing her skills and knowledge, she has been at the forefront of several innovative and successful programs throughout the Fargo/Moorhead community including the Caring Communities for Leaders and Problem-solvers at NDSU, the PLCS Teaching Circle, virtual conferences and many more,” she wrote.
Deckard has received several awards, including the 2007 North Dakota Agriculture Woman of the Year, 1999 NDSU Gunkleman Award and NDSU Agriculture Woman of the Year (2006-07). She also was selected for Gamma Sigma Delta Honorary Society in 2008.
“Although the list of awards and accomplishments for Brenda could go on, it is her ability to inspire and encourage students to learn that makes her a more than deserving recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award,” Wachter said. “As a former Blue Key adviser herself, Brenda represents the very best of SPAM – Spirit, Pep And Motivation.”
One of 125 Blue Key chapters across the United States, the NDSU chapter has been active since 1927. Blue Key is a selective organization, which is active in a variety of events, including Bison Brevities and the Homecoming Show.