Media Releases
Sara Woodward Receives Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Teaching
May 2, 2008
Exercise and Sport Science instructor one of 22 Outstanding Educators in Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
Sara Woodward
On April 16, 2008, at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Sara Woodward, the exercise and sport science instructor at Dakota County Technical College, was honored with the Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The highest faculty commendation in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, the award recognized Woodward as one of 22 Outstanding Educators from 32 public higher education institutions, including 25 community and technical colleges and seven state universities. Fewer than one half of one percent of the system's faculty were selected for this award.
Ron Thomas, the president of DCTC, nominated Woodward for the award. Thomas praised Woodward for her dedication and expertise, noting that she was the DCTC Outstanding Instructor of the Year in 2007.
"Sara is a tremendous teacher," Thomas said. "She has done wonders with her program and her students truly admire her."
Linda Baer, the senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, stated that the award reflects the exceptional skill and commitment Woodward has demonstrated in her teaching, continuous professional development and service to her students, her college, her profession and the system.
Woodward began teaching at DCTC when the Exercise and Sport Science program first started in 2002. She has a master's degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology from the University of Minnesota. She is currently working on her doctorate in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport psychology.
She holds CSCS and NSCA-CPT certifications through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She is also a certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant through the American Council on Exercise.
Regarding her teaching philosophy, Woodward said, "I believe that it is a teacher's role to facilitate the learning and success of our students. I support and encourage students to reach their full potential. I believe that all students can be successful if they put forth the effort. My role is to be in partnership with my students with the ultimate goal being their success."