Ridgewater Veterinary Technology Instructor Named Outstanding Educator
March 5, 2024
Ridgewater College’s Beth Husman of Raymond was recently honored for her teaching excellence by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Board of Trustees. The Ridgewater alum teaches in the Veterinary Technology program on the Willmar campus.
Minnesota State will recognize all 2024 Outstanding Educators at an April 17 banquet in St. Paul.
Nominating students highlighted Husman’s ability to assist students to be successful, her commitment and her ability to make learning fun while being an “amazing leader and role model.”
Ridgewater leadership agreed. “Beth’s recognition and nomination is well-deserved and demonstrates her strong commitment to the success of the Veterinary Technology program and its students,” said Jeff Miller, Ridgewater dean of instruction. “As a co-program coordinator, Beth also takes on many responsibilities that involve student recruitment, academic advising, program marketing, student club advising, fundraising, and internship coordination, to name a few.”
Ridgewater President Dr. Craig Johnson commended Husman for her commitment to students, community engagement and continuous improvement.
Husman graduated from the Ridgewater Veterinary Technology program herself and holds a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. She is a certified and registered veterinary technician and holds credentials in artificial insemination and professional compassion.
Since 2000, Husman has been a Ridgewater educator. Her focus is veterinary nursing procedures, surgery and anesthesia preparation, clinical dentistry skills, hospital procedures, and resume’ and internship preparation. Being involved with local, regional, and national practitioners keeps her connected to industry standards to ensure graduates are well-prepared to enter the profession, Miller added.
“This is just so humbling,” Husman said. “Twenty-four years ago, by answering a random phone call at my clinic, I fell into my teaching position at Ridgewater and was given the opportunity to do what I now know was and is my life’s calling. I am so humbled and honored. I am blessed that I get to do this every day and impact students’ lives.” One way she helps students build community relationships is to organize the semi-annual dog washes and vaccine clinics.
Husman said she strives to help students be successful in the program as well as becoming well-rounded people. “I am a counselor, parent figure, mentor, friend, mediator, and some days, even a punching bag,” she explained. Many students call her Mom. “I used to think we were here to just teach students a skill or a profession, but more and more, I believe we teach them that plus so many life skills. Teaching is relationships.” They are what make teaching so rewarding for Husman.
For more information about the Minnesota State awards, go to www.minnstate.edu/stories/botawards.