VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – President Alan LaFave announced the Valley City State University Faculty Excellence Awards for 2020–21, recognizing “exceptional dedication and commitment to students and the university by outstanding teaching, scholarly activities, or university service.”
This year’s recipients are Angela Williams, Senior Faculty (associate or full professor) award; Kenton Sandfoss, Junior Faculty (instructor or assistant professor) award; and Tim Michaelson, Adjunct/Special Appointment award.
Angela Williams, associate professor of kinesiology and human performance, has been a faculty member at VCSU since 2014. Williams holds a master of education degree from Valley City State University and a master of arts degree from Western Michigan University. Faculty members stated that Williams, “has been a consistent contributor in and out of the department as well as the campus community and beyond. She is willing to support the students beyond the classroom and they appreciate the relationships they build with her.” “Angie has helped me to become the best student I can be by always encouraging me to do more and think bigger,” said a health and physical education student. “This has benefited me greatly as it has opened many opportunities within the physical education community to present, serve in positions and help others through my skills.”
Kenton Sandfoss, assistant professor of business, joined the VCSU faculty in 2020. Sandfoss holds a master’s degree from Morehead State University. Sandfoss’ colleagues highlighted that he, “routinely develops courses far afield from his own area of expertise and appreciates the opportunity to learn new techniques. He’s always thinking about ways to improve his teaching and reach his students in tangible ways. Despite his recent arrival on campus, he routinely meets with prospective Vikings and immediately develops a rapport with the students and their families.”
Tim Michaelson, instructor of education, joined VCSU in 2018. Michaelson holds a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson State University and a master’s degree from Northern State University. “Tim represents VCSU extremely well with area K-12 administrators and he works hard to find quality placements for his students,” said Michaelson’s peers. “Tim takes pride in his classroom teaching and his field experience placements. He is also a great team player who works extremely well with students, cooperating teachers, university supervisors, VCSU faculty members, and administrators.”
