Two faculty members from Saint Paul College, Mindy Travers (Human Resources) and Thomas Hillstead (Cabinetmaking) were recently honored with 2026 Outstanding Educator Awards by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional educators who demonstrate superior achievement in teaching and service.

Congratulations to Mindy Travers and Tom Hillstead, whose selection as Minnesota State Outstanding Faculty of the Year reflects their exceptional dedication, student-centered practice, and enduring impact on their fields and our college community. We are grateful for—and inspired by—their continued leadership and engagemen

Greg Rathert

Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs

Mindy Travers

Mindy Travers is a long‑serving, highly skilled Human Resources and Business faculty member whose student‑focused and engaging approach to teaching fosters strong collaboration and meaningful learning within and beyond the classroom.

Human Resources

Thomas Hillstead

Tom has earned strong recognition as a high-quality Cabinetmaking instructor, working tirelessly not only to teach students the craft of cabinetmaking but also to help them develop leadership and competition skills through SkillsUSA and hands-on, real-world experiences in the community.

Cabinetmaking

The Board of Trustees Awards for Excellence acknowledge and provide systemwide recognition for consistently superior commitment to student learning and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence at the colleges and universities of Minnesota State. These recipients will be honored at a spring luncheon on April 22, 2026, with the Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Teaching was established in 2007. You can read History of this Award to learn more about this 20-year program.