Marie Hvidsten, director of the NDSU Extension Service's Rural Leadership North Dakota program has been recognized with the 2015 Outstanding Leadership Program Director Award. She received the award at the recent annual meeting of the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leadership held in Dickinson, North Dakota.
The organization is a consortium of agricultural and rural leadership programs in the U.S., Canada and several other countries.
“Dr. Hvidsten received this honor for her vision, leadership and professional tenacity to establish and develop the Rural Leadership North Dakota program, which has empowered the lives of so many established and emerging agricultural leaders in North Dakota,” said organization executive secretary Joe Waldrum, who helped present the award.
He also said Hvidsten is respected by her peers in rural leadership development around the globe.
“NDSU Extension is pleased Marie has been honored by her national and international peers with this award,” said NDSU Extension director Chris Boerboom. “Marie is outstanding at educating citizens on leadership skills and providing opportunities for them to develop their talents.”
Hvidsten earned her bachelor's degree from Bemidji State University in Minnesota, master's degree in educational administration from the University of North Dakota and doctorate in organization development from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis. She joined NDSU Extension in 2002.
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