VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – The Student Senate of Valley City State University has announced its 2021 award recipients. Kevin Murphy, assistant professor of math, was named the Teacher of the Year. Kelly LaFramboise, director for diversity and inclusion, and athletic training staff: Anna Bratsch, Rebekah Rye and Danica Tarabanovic, received the Student Advocate of the Year award.
Murphy began as a faculty member in 2018, starting out in the science department and later moving to math. Student senators praised his ability to connect with students and his dedication to their personal success and well-being. One student said, “He is one of the nicest and kindest people I’ve ever met in my life.”
LaFramboise joined the VCSU staff in 2020 as the director for diversity and inclusion. Student senators agreed that she puts students first and has impacted the entire campus. One student said, “She has dealt with a lot of adversity and stepped into a position that didn’t exist before this year.” The student body became aware of her perseverance and integrity during a difficult year.
Anna Bratsch, head athletic trainer; Rebekah Rye, assistant athletic trainer; and Danica Tarabanovic, assistant athletic trainer, received the Student Advocate award based on their level of care for athletes. Students commended the group stating that they are “very personable” and “always looking to get certified in more areas and offer more treatments.” One student also said that they have, “helped me deal with the physical and emotional sides of chronic pain.”
