Lake Superior College News Releases

(Duluth, Minn.) – Lake Superior College (LSC) faculty members Kent Voelkner and Dorothy Rico have been honored as recipients of the college’s Teaching Excellence Awards.

They were also nominated for the Minnesota State and Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching Awards by LSC President Kathy Nelson and Vice President of Academic Affairs Candace Barnack. This statewide award recognizes outstanding faculty for their dedication to student learning throughout the 33 state colleges and universities in the MnSCU system. The awards are granted by the MnSCU Board of Trustees.

Voelkner teaches math and chemistry. He has been a faculty member at LSC for 20 years. “Kent creates a classroom climate where students are at ease and know they can ask questions because of his respect for the students,” noted Candace Barnack. “As a teacher, he believes that making mistakes is okay; it lets the student know you are human and they can concentrate on course content.” Voelkner has a B.S. and a M.S. in chemistry. He also completed 16 graduate credits in math to obtain an assigned field in math. Voelkner has been the Student Senate Advisor since 1990. He believes that advising students is a crucial role as an instructor. He has also served on the Student Life Committee for 13 years.

Rico teaches in the nursing program. She has been a teacher for more than 15 years. “Dorothy is an instructor who is always growing, always changing to ensure she is providing the highest quality of teaching and learning for her students,” said Barnack. “She continuously updates her computer skills and incorporates the latest technologies into the classroom.” Rico has been a leader within the LSC AD Nursing program, serving as a liaison to the Math and Science Departments as well as to local health organizations. She completed both undergraduate and graduate work in nursing; she received a M.S. in nursing 37 years ago. She has more than 20 years of experience working in an Intensive Care Unit and has maintained her Critical Care Nursing certification for more than 20 years.

Both nominees are considered campus leaders by their peers in providing student-centered, active learning environments and are considered invaluable resources for colleagues and co-workers.

LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 4,800 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry. LSC is also a leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.