Rana Nestrud ’85 ’90
The Art Educators of Minnesota recently announced Rana Nestrud ’85 ’90 as Minnesota’s Administrator of the Year and Art Educator of the Year. Hailed as an outstanding contributor to the arts, Nestrud exhibits exemplary commitment to arts education in the classroom, administration responsibilities and advocacy for the state.
Nestrud’s work of more than 33 years includes thirty years in ISD 728 demonstrating considerable dedication to school-wide commitment in Arts integration. Beyond that, she has written and secured grants for education totaling over three-quarters of a million dollars, even established the first public school art exchange between Elk River High School and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, and co-directed Arts Camp for Educators and Teaching Artists in central Minnesota This fall, Nestrud joined Anoka-Hennepin District 11 as the STEAM coordinator for Anoka High School.
Her continued efforts of educational and professional development opportunities for both teachers and students demonstrate that her work is invaluable and deserves such recognition. She continuously finds opportunities for others focused on medium, cross curricular, multiculturalism and theory for Art Educators and working Artists to better themselves. Nestrud has worked closely with the Paramount Center for the Arts, the Central Minnesota Arts Board and the Perpich Center for Arts Education.
Jeff Pridie, AEM President states, “Her passion for the arts will be her legacy. Whether it be one-to-one with a student, organizing events, advocating for programming or encouraging community members to participate, Rana provides the Arts as the center for growth and development.” In March 2019, she will be presented with national recognition at the National Art Education Association conference in Boston, MA.
Nestrud earned her bachelor of science degree in art from St. Cloud State in 1985, followed by a master of science degree in teaching in 1990.
Congratulations to Rana Nestrud for this great achievement for Minnesota and arts education!
