A message from our deans

Greetings from the dean’s office. We have been in the dean’s office sharing duties for a full year now, and what a year this has been. The year 2020 will go down in history as a very difficult year for many, but there have been highlights as well.

The faculty in the College of Human Sciences and Education have been flexible and creative in delivering high quality instruction to our students. Faculty had to switch from in-person to online instruction in the spring, the summer session was all online for the first time ever, and the fall brought on Hy-Flex teaching which allowed for a combination of in-person and online instruction. The faculty of HSE rose to the challenges of teaching in new formats and are beginning the spring semester with a new set of skills and increased confidence for the reality of the pandemic. Behind the scenes and just as important have been the staff of HSE, who have been keeping everything running as close to normal as possible. Some have worked from home, some are on campus, but all continue to do excellent work.

The students of HSE have been incredibly resilient and continue to impress us. We’ve most appreciated that they have been patient and gracious as their instructors adjusted their syllabi and learned new technology.  

Neither of us could have predicted spending this last year in the dean’s office full time, or how this year would turn out. As unpredictable as it has been, we have had a lot of fun and continue to be incredibly proud of the people and programs of HSE. We are lucky to represent such a wonderful college.

Thank you for your continued support and trust. 

Jim Deal and Jill Nelson, associate deans

HSE faculty member receives national awards

Mari Borr, NDSU professor in the School of Education, recently was recognized with two national awards. One from the National Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (NATFCS), and the other from Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

NATFCS honored Borr with the Award of Merit, which recognizes career and technical education professionals for their leadership on behalf of the Association for Career and Technical Education, their innovations in CTE, and their contributions to the field over an extended period of time. An award winner must have been a member of ACTE and NATFACS for a minimum of 10 years, made significant contributions to Family and Consumer Science, ACTS and/or NATFCS, and be considered an outstanding leader in the field. 

“I am so honored to be considered among those who have made a significant contribution to the field and a difference in the profession,” Borr said. “We need to continue our efforts to infuse the importance of family and consumer sciences in society.”

Borr was also inducted into FCCLA’s 75th anniversary Leadership Hall of Fame. The Leadership Hall of Fame recognizes former and current FCCLA members, advisers and supporters who have achieved success in their chosen profession, contributed significantly to their communities and helped FCCLA reach its goals. Those honored have utilized their skills to become successful leaders within their families, careers and communities within various industries. 

“This award is especially meaningful to me because I have been involved with this organization since I was in high school,” Borr said. “Being a FHA member in high school helped me to build the confidence and leadership skills that have led me to where I am today. I continue to support and encourage FCCLA members because I know that the skills they gain can open up many new options to them in life.”

Borr joined NDSU’s faculty in 2014. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from NDSU and her doctorate of philosophy in teaching and learning in higher education from the University of North Dakota.

Dr. Jim Deal, Associate Dean

Email:  Jim.Deal@ndsu.edu

 

Dr. Jill Nelson, Associate Dean

Email:  Jill.R.Nelson@ndsu.edu

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