Scholarship awards are up to $2,500 per student. The purpose of the funds is to encourage students to learn, operate, and understand CNC technology.

“Watching our students walk into the shop on day one and graduate two years later as skilled machinists is incredibly rewarding,” shared Machine Tool Technology Instructor Greg Ryder. “For the past decade, the Gene Haas Foundation has generously funded our program so we can split this financial boost among our hardworking students. This award gives our two-year students the extra momentum they need to focus on mastering their craft, finishing their degrees, and stepping into a great manufacturing career.”

For more information about the Gene Haas Foundation scholarship and Ridgewater’s Machine Tool Technology program, visit ridgewater.edu.

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The scholarship fund reflects Braun Intertec’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of technical professionals and strengthening the workforce pipeline for the engineering, testing, inspection, and consulting industries. Through this partnership with the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation, eligible students will receive financial assistance as they begin their educational journey in NDT.

“Investing in students is investing in the future of our industry,” said Seth Taylor, Senior Vice President at Braun Intertec. “The Braun Intertec Scholarship Fund is intended to expand opportunities for aspiring NDT professionals while supporting �鶹��Ƶ’s efforts to prepare students for rewarding technical careers.”

Reflecting on the contribution, Dr. Cheryl Norman, President of �鶹��Ƶ, expressed gratitude for the company’s vision “We are grateful for Braun Intertec’s investment in Ridgewater students and helping create opportunities for the next generation of nondestructive testing professionals. Ridgewater’s NDT program offers specialized, hands-on technical education that is extremely unique and closely connected to industry needs. This scholarship will help students pursue this distinctive career path and meet workforce needs.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be:

• A recent high school graduate
• Enrolled in the Nondestructive Testing (NDT) program at �鶹��Ƶ
• Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation scholarship eligibility requirements and complete the universal online scholarship application
• Preference given to students with a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

For more information about �鶹��Ƶ Foundation visit www.ridgewater.edu/foundation.

�鶹��Ƶ Braun Intertec

Braun Intertec is an engineering, environmental consulting, and testing firm that provides geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and construction materials testing services throughout the United States. Braun Intertec is committed to supporting the development of future industry leaders through education, mentorship, and workforce development initiatives.

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Russell M. Hamilton is a practicing visual artist and educator. He has worked as a professor of Art and Design in the mediums of sculpture, painting, and mixed media. He has taught at Wayne State University, Zayed University (UAE), and he currently teaches at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Russell has exhibited widely throughout the US; Seattle, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Detroit, NYC, Skowhegan, Washington D.C., as well as the UAE, Venice, and Japan.

Russell received a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Washington, Seattle. He has also attended the renowned Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Russell was an artist in resident at the Pratt Institute in Seattle for glass blowing and a one-year artist in resident at the prestigious Studio Museum in Harlem, NYC. Russell has worked on several community projects and worked as an artist in residence at a number of community-based organizations and school districts.

​Russell stated that “This body of work traces the spaces produced by migration, memory, belief, and historical rupture, distances carried not only across geography, but within the body itself. Through painting, textile assemblage, sculptural relief, and stitched surfaces, I construct figures and symbolic architectures that act as carriers of cultural, spiritual, and ancestral memory.”

For more information on the exhibit please visit .

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – �鶹��Ƶ is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler Hebrink as Athletic Coordinator for Warrior Athletics. Hebrink succeeds longtime Athletic Coordinator and former coach Todd Thorstad, who will continue to serve �鶹��Ƶ as a faculty member in the Physical Education and Geography departments.

Hebrink brings seven years of experience at �鶹��Ƶ, serving as the head baseball coach for the past five seasons. He also supports operations within the athletic department and teaching in the Physical Education department. Under Hebrink’s leadership, the Warrior baseball program has earned five consecutive postseason appearances, reflecting his commitment to student-athlete success both on and off the field. “Todd has helped build a strong foundation for Warrior Athletics, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that work,” said Hebrink. “Ridgewater has outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff, and I look forward to supporting their success while continuing to grow our athletic programs.”

Thorstad expressed confidence in the transition and the future of Warrior Athletics. “Warrior Athletics has a great group of people committed to continuing to grow and strengthen our programs,” said Thorstad. “Tyler has demonstrated enthusiasm, organizational skills, and dedication to our student-athletes. I am confident the department will continue to thrive under his leadership.”

�鶹��Ƶ thanks Thorstad for his years of leadership and service to Warrior Athletics and looks forward to the continued growth of its athletic programs under Hebrink’s direction.

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Members of Trevor Berger’s family presented the check to �鶹��Ƶ President, Dr. Cheryl Norman and Interim Foundation Operations Specialist, Stephenie Jimenez at the Willmar VFW on Monday, August 10, 2026. Representing the Berger family was Kate Berger, Trevor’s wife; his sons, Micah, and Ryan; and his parents, Marvin and Nancy Berger.

Berger dedicated his career to law enforcement and the community he grew up in. He served with the McLeod County Jail, Silver Lake Police Department, Eden Valley Police Department and Atwater Police Department before becoming Atwater’s police chief.

Lakes Area Chapter President Matt Ledeboer stated that the scholarship carries both professional and personal significance. “As a non-traditional student going back to college in my 30s, I had kids, a mortgage and all of the normal responsibilities that don’t stop just because you decide to go back to school, scholarships helped me pay for the classes and other things I needed to get through school and start my career.”

Ledeboer said Berger also played an important role in giving him an opportunity to build his career. “Trevor Berger gave me one of my first opportunities as a police officer. I will always be grateful to Trevor for giving me that chance, and I’m equally grateful to �鶹��Ƶ and the people who helped me when I was working toward that career. Being able to give something back now and help the next generation of law enforcement officers is something that means a great deal to me.”

The $10,000 contribution establishes the scholarship as an endowed fund through the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation. Endowed scholarship funds are invested so they can provide scholarship awards to students for years to come, creating a lasting tribute to Berger and his commitment to law enforcement.

Dr. Cheryl Norman, Ridgewater President, stated “We are deeply grateful to the Legion of St. Michael Lakes Area Chapter for creating the Trevor Berger Endowed Scholarship. This endowment will help support future professionals who share Chief Berger’s dedication to serving others. We are also thankful to Chief Berger’s family for allowing us to partner in this effort and for sharing his legacy with future generations.”

For more information about �鶹��Ƶ Foundation visit www.ridgewater.edu/foundation.

�鶹��Ƶ �鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ is a community and technical college with campuses in the central Minnesota communities of Willmar and Hutchinson. The college is a member of Minnesota State and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

�鶹��Ƶ the Legion of St. Michael LEMS – Lakes Area Chapter

The Legion of St. Michael Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club is a nonprofit organization rooted in law enforcement and public service. The Lakes Area Chapter brings together current and former first responders, military members and supporters through motorcycle events, charitable fundraising, and community service. The organization is committed to brotherhood, service and supporting those who serve their communities.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – �鶹��Ƶ’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter has earned multiple honors at both the regional and international levels, recognizing the outstanding achievements of its students and advisors.

Communication instructor Dr. Bradley Wolfe received the Distinguished Advisor Award, one of Phi Theta Kappa’s highest individual honors for advisors. The award recognizes advisors who demonstrate exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to student success.

In addition, Ridgewater’s advising team—Bradley Wolfe, Lori Anderson, Varad Agarkar, and Stacy Gillespie—received the Distinguished Advisor Team Award. The award honors advisor teams that work collaboratively to foster student leadership, academic excellence, and meaningful chapter engagement. Anderson and Wolfe serve as the chapter’s primary advisors, Gillespie provides behind-the-scenes support through student reporting and membership outreach, and Agarkar recently joined the advising team to expand student engagement on the Willmar campus.

Under the advising team’s leadership, Ridgewater’s PTK chapter has consistently achieved Five-Star Chapter status, the highest level of chapter recognition awarded by Phi Theta Kappa. The designation reflects sustained excellence in leadership development, scholarship, service, fellowship, and completion of the organization’s annual chapter plan.

This year, Ridgewater students also earned regional recognition for their work. The chapter received the Most Distinguished Honors in Action Project (Theme 3: Ways Stories Are Told), recognizing the chapter’s research, service, and presentation centered on one of Phi Theta Kappa’s annual Honors Study themes. Students also earned Second Runner-Up Distinguished Officer Team, honoring the chapter’s student leaders for their outstanding leadership and chapter accomplishments.

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for students attending two-year colleges, with chapters located around the world. Each year, only a select number of advisors, advisor teams, and chapters receive these honors, highlighting �鶹��Ƶ’s continued commitment to student leadership, scholarship, and service.

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Approximately 23% of undergraduate students in the United States experience food insecurity annually, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis of 2020 data. At two-year colleges, the rate is even higher, with 38% reporting food insecurity in a Hope Center Survey in Fall 2020.

To earn the Hunger Free Campus Designation, �鶹��Ƶ has demonstrated successful implementation of activities to achieve the goal of reducing and eliminating food insecurity on their campus.

Mark Taylor, community resource and inclusion coordinator, stated that “The Hunger Free Campus Grant helps ensure that students can focus on learning instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from. Through this funding, Ridgewater can provide food pantry resources, emergency assistance, basic needs support, and connections to community resources that help students and their families navigate difficult situations. Over the years, we’ve worked to transform our pantry into a welcoming, centrally located resource where students feel comfortable seeking support. When students visit our pantry, we want them to find more than food—we want them to find a welcoming space where they know they belong. The designation helps us continue investing in the space, and the resources needed to serve students with dignity and care.”

“At Minnesota State, supporting our students with the resources they need to succeed with their educational goals is paramount, and that includes having enough to eat,” said Shawn Anderson, system director for student development and success for Minnesota State. “This designation recognizes the commitment that �鶹��Ƶ has made to ensure that no student has to choose between their education and their next meal.”

Colleges and universities within the Minnesota State system can apply each year for Hunger Free Campus funding, provided by the Minnesota legislature. Whether or not they receive funding, colleges and universities who demonstrate success in reducing and eliminating hunger on campus can be awarded the Hunger Free Campus designation on an annual basis.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – �鶹��Ƶ is excited to announce that Morgan Flann will take over as the head coach for the Warriors Softball team for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year and season. Flann replaces Jordyn Swoboda.

Coach Flann is not new to Warrior Softball. She has served as the assistant coach under Jordyn Swoboda and has a variety of softball experiences. Flann graduated from BOLD High School where she began her varsity softball career as an eight-grad pitcher. Throughout high school, softball played a significant role in her life and helped share her strong work ethic, leadership skills, and passion for athletics. She also competed in club softball in the Twin Cities. Following high school, she continued her collegiate softball career at the University of Jamestown, where she played for two seasons before transferring to the Division 1 University of North Dakota for three seasons.

Flann’s passion for softball extends beyond her playing career. Over the years, she has coached youth and summer softball programs, provided individual pitching and hitting instruction, and served as a softball umpire. These experiences have allowed her to develop athletes from a variety of skill levels while gaining a well-rounded perspective for the game.

Outside of athletics, Flann is a first-generation college graduate and holds degrees in Biology, Exercise Physiology and Biomedical Science. She strongly believes in the student-athlete experience and is committed to helping athletes succeed both academically and athletically. Flann shared that as Head Coach, her goal is to “build a culture-centered on academics, family, grit and competitive excellence while developing student athletes who are prepared for success both on and off the field.”

Dean of Students, Heidi Olson stated “We are grateful that Morgan was interested in stepping up to lead the team and are excited to watch her continue to build on past success. Coach Flann demonstrates the type of energy and commitment that we believe will do great things for our student athletes and for growing our women’s softball program.”

For more information about Ridgewater Warrior Athletics, go to .

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Fourteen �鶹��Ƶ technical students recently competed at the annual Minnesota SkillsUSA competitions in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud in late March. Four Welding students qualified and will head to nationals in Atlanta in June – one individual champion and one team of champions.

Ridgewater’s Jackson Owens of Spicer earned gold champion honors in individual welding, while the team of Justin Deinken (Morton), Bradee Dwinell (Waconia) and Katheryne Noll (Norwood Young America) earned gold in Welding Fabrication.

This annual state contest event highlights the talents of Minnesota’s top Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. More than 500 students from 27 schools competed in nearly 60 trade, technical, and leadership contests in hands-on, real-world environments thanks to partnering industry professionals.

The individual welding competition was at the St. Paul Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455. “Jackson’s competition consisted of six different welding contests: SMAW E7018 & E6010, GTAW, FCAW, OAC cutting torch, and a written knowledge test,” explained Cody Sarsland, one of Ridgewater’s Welding instructors. “He placed second last year and was determined to place first this year. Jackson had been working hard improving his overall welding skills, and it showed on competition day.”

The team fabrication contest was at Minneapolis Pipefitters. “The teams were tasked with building a portable rocket stove from raw materials in six hours,” Sarsland explained. Dimensions and weld quality were key. “Our gold winners were returning champs from last year. They will return to Atlanta to try to improve on last year’s first try at national competition.”

Ridgewater earned silver and bronze honors also in team Welding Fabrication. Silvers went to the team of Owen Utendorfer (Green Isle), Nicholes Turbes (New Ulm) and Isaac Gutwasser (Kimball). Team bronze included Josh Sellner (Sleepy Eye), Logan Day (New London) and Ben Strickland (Atwater).

In addition, Natalie Campagne (Willmar) earned bronze for her welded sculpture titled, “Childhood Garden,” and McKenzie DeCasas (Howard Lake) and SaVanna Christophersen (Kimball) took sixth and tenth places, respectively, in individual welding.

“Natalie’s inspiration came from years of working with her father in his family garden,” Sarsland said. “Her outstanding welding skills were greatly demonstrated on her sculpture.”

In the Automotive Technology contest, Dawson Blair (Starbuck) earned a bronze in the high school division. He competed in multiple automotive testing stations, including engine performance, brakes and suspension, electrical diagnosis, a written test, and a job interview.

To learn more about the Ridgewater Welding program, go to www.ridgewater.edu/welding. To learn more about Ridgewater automotive careers, go to www.ridgwater.edu/automotive-technology.

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ST. PAUL, Minn., April 22, 2026 – The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Cheryl Norman to serve as president of �鶹��Ƶ. The appointment becomes effective July 1, 2026.

“Dr. Norman brings a proven track record in enrollment management, developing data-driven strategies that strengthen student recruitment, retention, and completion,” said Scott Olson, Minnesota State chancellor. “Her ability to lead initiatives that drive equitable student success and post-completion outcomes will serve �鶹��Ƶ and the Willmar and Hutchinson communities well.”

Dr. Norman has dedicated her career to higher education at Minnesota State colleges as well as outside of the Minnesota State system. She currently serves as the vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College (CLC) in Brainerd and Staples, Minn., a position she has held since 2023. In that role, she provides strategic leadership for academic programs, student services, accreditation, workforce partnerships, and institutional planning. At CLC, she has successfully led efforts to align programs with workforce demand, strengthen employer partnerships, and advance fundraising and scholarship access through advisory board engagement and community collaboration.

Prior to joining CLC, she was the dean of assessment and academic administration at the University of Northwestern (UNW) in St. Paul from 2017-2023. While at UNW, Dr. Norman led the analysis of 65 programs using mission, metrics, market, and margin indicators to ensure institutional sustainability and responsiveness to workforce needs, resulting in the growth of core programs and launch of new programs to meet market demands. She also was the accreditation liaison officer to the Higher Learning Commission and served as adjunct faculty in the School of Education.

Dr. Norman held several positions at Minneapolis College from 2011-2017 including customized training and workforce development representative (2016-2017), academic liaison (2014-2016), learning outcomes assessment director (2012-2016), and was a faculty member in education, English to students of other languages, reading, informational technology, and first year student experience (2011-2017).

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University St. Paul, a master’s from Shenandoah University in Virginia, and a doctorate from St. Cloud State University.

Dr. Norman succeeds Craig Johnson, who has served as president of �鶹��Ƶ since 2018 and has announced his intention to retire.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – “King Ed” will hit the stage of the �鶹��Ƶ Theatre on the Willmar campus at 7 p.m., May 7-9. Tickets are available at the box office one hour before showtime.

Written by director Matt Hegdahl, “King Ed” is a tragic comedy about a king who is trying to determine how to save his city from destruction. Events don’t go as planned, and his daughter is forced to make some difficult decisions.

“The play has stylings borrowed from Greek theatre, Shakespeare and the theatre of the absurd,” Hegdahl said. “The play is light-hearted and comical at times, but the looming destruction of the city and King Ed’s paranoia push the characters into situations they never thought they’d have to deal with.”

This production is appropriate for ages 13 and older.

Performances are set for 7 p.m., Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9. The box office opens one hour before showtime. Tickets are $10. Admission is free for Ridgewater students and staff.

Characters and Student Cast Members
Jona – Hali Ahrndt of Sunburg
Gin – Lilly Wattnem (Atwater)
Anne – Ella Olson (Mapleton)
Citizens – ReAnn Stalboerger (Belgrade) and Javin Lucas (Raymond)
King Ed – Nathan Saulsbury (Kensington)
Messenger – Lindsay Lopez (Renville)

Characters and Community Cast Members
Harmon – Skai Heim (Montevideo)
Citizen – Devan Ragland (Winlock, WA)
Advisor – Justin Brainard (Willmar)
Kreen – Christoper DeLong (New London)

For more information, contact Ridgewater Theater Director Matt Hegdahl at matt.hegdahl@ridgewater.edu.

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ST. PAUL, Minn., March 19, 2026 – Minnesota State has named four finalists in the search for the next president of �鶹��Ƶ. The candidates are Rushton Johnson, Luca Lewis, Cheryl Norman, and Lester Sandres Rápalo.

The candidates were recommended by a search advisory committee that was comprised of students, faculty, staff, and community leaders, and was chaired by Joe Mulford, president of Pine Technical and Community College. The candidates are scheduled to conduct campus visits the week of March 23. The campus visits provide an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to meet each of the candidates and offer feedback. Details of the candidates’ campus visits and the process for providing feedback are available at /presidential-search/.

Rushton Johnson currently serves as the vice president of student affairs at Pellissippi State Community College in Tennessee, a role he has held since 2018. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member for the college since 2021. Previously, between 2011 and 2017, he was the vice president of student affairs for Atlanta Technical College and served as the executive director of student life at Southern Oregon University from 2009-2011. His classroom experience includes serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Georgia in 2016, as an instructor from 1999 to 2001 at Stillman College in Alabama, and as an assistant professor from 2008 to 2009 at Nicholls State University in Louisianna. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Birmingham-Southern College, Alabama, master’s degrees from Jacksonville State University, Alabama and Harvard University, and a doctorate from the University of Alabama. He is scheduled to visit �鶹��Ƶ on Wednesday, March 25.

Luca Lewis serves as interim president of Ventura College in California, a position he has held since September 2025. Prior to that, he served Ventura College as vice president of student affairs in 2025. From 2022 to 2025, he was the associate vice chancellor of education and student services at West Hills Community College District, California. Between 2015 and 2022, he served as vice president for student services at Whatcom Community College in Washington. Additional prior roles include dean for student success and retention at Edmonds Community College, Washington, from 2012 to 2015, director of high school programs for Bellevue College, Washington, between 2010 and 2012, and interim student affairs specialist at the University of Washington from 2006 to 2007. He has also served as adjunct faculty or instructor at several colleges. He holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree from the University of Idaho. He is scheduled to visit �鶹��Ƶ on Thursday, March 26.

Cheryl Norman serves Central Lakes College (CLC) as the vice president of academic and student affairs, a role she has held since 2023. Prior to joining CLC, she was the dean of assessment and academic administration at the University of Northwestern (UNW) in St. Paul from 2017 to 2023, where she also taught as an adjunct faculty member. Before that, she held several positions at Minneapolis College including customized training and workforce development representative from 2016 to 2017, academic liaison between 2014 and 2016, learning outcomes assessment director from 2012 to 2016, co-lead for the Center for Teaching and Learning from 2012 to 2016, and a faculty member in education, English to students of other languages, reading, informational technology, and first year student experience between 2011 and 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University St. Paul, a master’s from Shenandoah University in Virginia, and a doctorate from St. Cloud State University. She is scheduled to visit �鶹��Ƶ on Monday, March 23.

Lester Sandres Rápalo currently serves as ambassador and global advisor on sustainable education for the Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development (OPAD), a role he has held since 2024. Prior to that, he served as president of SUNY Rockland Community College, New York, from 2023 to 2024. He also served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at CUNY Bronx Community College, New York, between 2020 and 2023 and as provost and dean of the Institute for Intensive English at Union County College, New Jersey, from 2017 to 2020. Between 2015 and 2018 he was the dean of social sciences, business and history at Union County College and from 2016 to 2017 he was the interim dean of American Honors at the college. From 2008 to 2014, he held various positions at Valencia College in Florida, including program director, chair of humanities and foreign language, and professor of foreign language and humanities. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an MBA from Syracuse University, and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Florida. He is scheduled to visit �鶹��Ƶ on Tuesday, March 24.

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is expected to consider Chancellor Scott Olson’s recommendation at its April 22, 2026, meeting. The anticipated start date of the new president is July 1, 2026.
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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Dr. Craig Johnson, President of �鶹��Ƶ, has been selected to receive the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and its Board of Directors. The award recognizes retiring college presidents whose leadership demonstrates an enduring commitment to student success and the development of student leaders.

“The strength of each student’s experience is shaped in many ways by the value college presidents place on Phi Theta Kappa,” said Lynn Tincher Ladner, Ph.D., President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Dr. Johnson’s nomination and election reflect a career grounded in student success from the very beginning.”

The Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor presented to retiring college presidents whose leadership has demonstrated an enduring commitment to student success and to the mentorship of student leaders.

Dr. Craig Johnson, President of �鶹��Ƶ, will retire May 19, 2026, culminating eight years of dedicated service to the institution. Since assuming the presidency in 2018, he has led the institution through a period of significant growth and renewal. His leadership has been marked by expanding academic offerings, strengthening partnerships in the Hutchinson and Willmar communities, supporting strong enrollment growth, and championing a culture of belonging for students and employees.

“The impact of Phi Theta Kappa is shaped by the commitment of college leaders like Dr. Johnson,” added Dr. Tincher-Ladner. “His nomination is a testament to the gratitude PTK students feel – not only for themselves, but for the generations of students who have benefited from his leadership.”

Dr. Johnson will be honored during the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention on March 27, 2026.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Deann Ober, �鶹��Ƶ 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.

�鶹��Ƶ is thankful to Deann for her commitment to the college’s mission and values and congratulates her on this prestigious nomination.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Two hundred and ten local high school students from twenty-six different schools, including homeschools, tested their hands-on skills and knowledge at the annual Skills Fest event at �鶹��Ƶ, Willmar campus, on Friday, February 6.

Challenges, activities, and tests targeted categories such as: Farm Management Problem Solving, Livestock Dairy Management, Meats, Ag Mechanics, Auto Careers (Auto Tech and Auto Body), Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, and Welding (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW and OAW) contests. Individual and team contests were available.

“We were excited to see the event grow with more students competing this year from all over the state. We had students from Pipestone to Fergus Falls come to compete. Ridgewater faculty do a wonderful job setting up unique opportunities for students to participate. We look forward to seeing the students compete each year” stated Amy Birkland, Alex Grabowska and Mercedes Karg, 2026 event organizers.

The event concludes with a ceremony that celebrates and awards the top three individual and team placings in each category with medals. In addition, first-place winners receive $500-semester scholarships from the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation to support future educational goals.

First place winners came from eight different schools including Dream Technical Academy, Eden Valley-Watkins, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Fergus Falls, Holdingford, Lakeview, New London-Spicer, and Wright Technical Academy.

Additional schools attending the 2026 event included Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, Albany, Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart, BOLD, Cambridge-Isanti, Dawson-Boyd, Lac Qui Parle Valley, Lakeview, Little Falls, Marshall, Minneota, Montevideo, Pipestone, Redwood Valley, Renville County Wesst, Royalton, Sauk Centre, Watertown-Meyer and Willmar.

To learn more about �鶹��Ƶ visit ridgewater.edu.

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