The Distinguished Education Partner Program at North Dakota State University was started in 2013 to recognize area educators who are advocates for access to higher education and who work collaboratively with the NDSU Office of Admission.

Recipients are nominated by NDSU Office of Admission staff based on leadership, commitment and excellence in supporting access to higher education and support of NDSU’s recruiting efforts.

2025 Honorees

Amanda Hayes, pathway student success specialist at North Dakota State College of Science in Fargo

Mitchell Reynolds, college counselor at Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul

Haley Lautt, counselor at Wyndmere Public School in Wyndmere, North Dakota

Crystal Smith, P.E., engineering faculty and program coordinator at Minnesota North College in Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Local educators pose in front of the Bison statue on campus.

Recent Distinguished Education Partners

2024

  • Josie Lange, Chaska High School, Chaska, MN
  • Edwin Kitzes, United Tribes Technical College, Bismarck, ND
  • Jamie Zuel, West Fargo High School, West Fargo, ND
  • Kris Krause, Hazen High School, Hazen, ND

2023

  • Ann Kjorstad, Academy of Holy Angels, Richfield, MN
  • Kim Hruba, Warroad High School, Warroad, MN
  • Kristi Voth, New England Public School, New England, ND
  • Mackenzie Tadych, Northern Cass Public School, Hunter, ND

2022

  • Julie Anderson, White Bear Lake Area High School, White Bear Lake, MN
  • Lizzie McNamara, Eden Prairie High School, Eden Prairie, MN
  • Monica Peterson, Moorhead High School, Moorhead, MN
  • David Myers, Lincoln High School, Sioux Falls, SD

2021

  • Bobbi Jo Young, Shiloh Christian School, Bismarck, ND
  • Sara Mack, North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND
  • Jim Johnson, North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND

2020

  • Brenda Akin, John Marshall School, Rochester, MN
  • Joan Copenhaver, Carrington High School, Carrington, ND
  • Jenna Damm, Henning Public School, Henning, MN
  • Tara Halvorson, Chaska High School, Chaska, MN
  • Megan Kimble, Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, MN

2019

  • Rachel Meuchel, Watford City High School, Watford City, ND
  • Molly Bonnett, Forest Lake Area High School, Forest Lake, MN
  • Courtney Roach, Bertha-Hewitt Public Schools, Bertha, MN
  • Hannalee Shaw, North High School, Fargo, ND
  • Beatrice Streitz, New Town High School, New Town, ND
  • Julie Hersch, West Fargo High School, West Fargo, ND