Hennepin Technical College Faculty Susan Thaemert Earns National Award

Brooklyn Park, February 27, 2021 – The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is honoring Susan Thaemert with the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition. Thaemert has been a faculty member at Hennepin Technical College (HTC) for 42 years in the dental assistant program and currently serves as the program director.

AACC presents the award to a select number of distinguished educators from colleges nationwide. The educators who earn the recognition have demonstrated passion for students and the classroom, are active within their college communities, and have gone above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors.

Thaemert’s dedication to providing students with both technical and soft skills has positively affected the lives of hundreds of students. Through Thaemert’s approach to teaching, students learn how to make a difference in patient care. Students comment on Thaemert’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for dental care.

Thaemert uses a unique classroom approach that requires students to be actively engaged in learning and developing critical thinking skills. Graduates leave well prepared to pass the Minnesota Dental Assistant State Licensure examination, the Dental Assistant National Board examination, and to succeed in their careers.

Dedicated to community-building, Thaemert has developed strong industry partnerships that result in work-based learning and career placement opportunities for students. She also has created opportunities for her students to be active in their communities through service learning and volunteer projects.

As an active leader in higher education, Thaemert has held numerous roles that have improved the delivery of dental assistant education at HTC and other institutions. She holds office and membership in the Minnesota Educators of Dental Assistants (MEDA), which collaborates with faculty from thirteen dental assistant programs. She also represents MEDA on the Policy Committee of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. In addition, Thaemert is a consultant to the Commission on Dental Education (CODA), performing accreditation site visits throughout the nation.

Previously, the Minnesota State Board of Trustees presented Thaemert with the Educator of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching.

About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College (HTC) is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college has a diverse student population of more than 18,000 and offers degree and non-degree coursework in over 45 programs. Achieving a 99% job placement rate, HTC prepares students for in-demand and high-paying employment opportunities. HTC is a member of Minnesota State, which includes 30 colleges and seven state universities. For more information, visit HennepinTech.edu.