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Riverland Community College announced that Nick Schiltz, a Riverland agricultural sciences instructor, has been named the 2024 Post-Secondary Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.

This prestigious recognition highlights Schiltz’s dedication to excellence and his outstanding contributions to agricultural education.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation awards this honor to an educator who demonstrates exceptional commitment to engaging, inspiring, and preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals. Schiltz’s innovative teaching methods and his commitment to fostering a passion for agriculture among his students were praised by the judging panel, who noted his profound impact on agricultural programs and students alike.

Schiltz will be officially recognized at the MFBF Awards Banquet on Nov. 22, at the Marriott Southwest Hotel in Minnetonka. As part of his award, he also could attend the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 106th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2025.

“Nick’s passion for agricultural education is inspirational and we are very thankful that he is here at Riverland. He provides not only high-quality instruction to students, but his community engagement allows students to experience learning beyond our classrooms.” said Riverland President Kat Linaker. “We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and thank him for everything he does for our students, the college and our communities.”

Schiltz’s recognition is a proud moment for Riverland Community College and a testament to the strength of its agriculture program, which continues to empower students to meet the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture.

“I have been privileged to work as a teacher and educator in a multitude of roles and am excited to teach an area near and dear to my heart: agriculture,” Schlitz said. “Growing up on a local family farm, I learned the whys and hows of what made agriculture so dynamic.”