Ridgewater College faculty nominated for Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator Award
March 11, 2026
WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Deann Ober, Ridgewater College Nursing Instructor, has been nominated for the Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator Award. The Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator Award acknowledges and provides system-wide recognition for consistently superior commitment to student learning and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence at the colleges and universities of Minnesota State.
Deann was nominated by one of her students that recently graduated from the Practical Nursing program. On the nomination form the student stated that “Deann is committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, respected, and supported regardless of their background.”
Deann’s leadership and influence extend well beyond the classroom. She serves as Department Chair and Program Coordinator, mentors new faculty and staff, and fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Her impact on program quality is equally impressive. She played a pivotal role in the successful Fall 2024 visit by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to review the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Deann is deeply engaged in assessment, evaluation, and curriculum development for Ridgewater’s Practical Nursing Diploma Program, contributing to significant growth and higher licensure pass rates.
Ridgewater College is thankful to Deann for her commitment to the college’s mission and values and congratulates her on this prestigious nomination.