Minnesota West Names Dr. Anita Gaul as Nominee for Educator of the Year
Minnesota West proudly announces that Dr. Anita Gaul, a distinguished History instructor, has been selected as the college’s nominee for the Minnesota State Board of Trustees Educator of the Year Award.
Dr. Gaul’s nomination reflects her exceptional dedication to teaching and student success. Following a selection process involving faculty and staff recommendations, Minnesota West Provost Arthur Brown submitted her nomination on November 1. Final award recipients will be announced in February 2026.
Dr. Gaul is celebrated for making history engaging and meaningful for students of all backgrounds. She teaches courses in Western Civilization, World History, U.S. History, and Minnesota History in both classroom and online formats. Her creative approach includes dressing in period costumes, playing historical music, and even offering authentic foods to immerse students in the past. She also integrates technology, such as virtual reality experiences, and shares personal travel photos to bring historical sites to life.
In a May 2023 Worthington Globe article, a former student named Dr. Gaul as her favorite instructor, praising “the instructor’s energetic presentation and interactive, discussion-oriented teaching style.”
Committed to equity and inclusion, Dr. Gaul implemented an equity rubric in her U.S. History course after completing a Faculty Learning Community in 2022. Student feedback highlights the sense of belonging and community her classes foster. She also employs high-impact practices such as group debates and writing-intensive assignments, ensuring rigorous academic standards.
“I always felt like I belonged and was heard in this class. I never felt as if I was belittled or left out,” wrote one student in a course evaluation.
Earlier in 2024, Dr. Gaul received the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Award, presented by Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon—the highest honor a Secretary of State can bestow. This award recognized her outstanding service as Vice-Chair of the State Emblems Redesign Commission, tasked by the Minnesota Legislature with redesigning the state seal and flag.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Gaul enriches campus life by organizing free public lectures featuring notable speakers, including Holocaust survivor Fred Amram and Civil Rights activists Joan Browning and Dion Diamond. She continues to advance her field through research, publications, and conference presentations. Her scholarly work includes two books, multiple journal articles, and contributions to educational resources.
Dr. Gaul’s commitment extends to the broader community, where she has delivered nearly 50 public presentations across 20 regional communities. Her recent sabbatical focused on researching a local Native American boarding school, further demonstrating her dedication to uncovering and sharing important historical narratives.
In Spring 2026, Dr. Gaul will collaborate on a cross-curricular project linking U.S. History with themes from the Theatre Department’s production of Silent Sky, exemplifying her passion for interdisciplinary learning.
Minnesota West is honored to recognize Dr. Anita Gaul for her outstanding contributions to education, equity, and community engagement. Her work exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Educator of the Year Award.