ACTE Announces Minnesota Dean of Agricultural Studies; Executive Director, AgCentric as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Keith Olander, Dean of Agricultural Studies; Executive Director, AgCentric at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: Central Lakes College in Staples, MN as the 2025 ACTE Region III Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative career and technical education (CTE) professionals at the school, district, county, state or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective career and technical education programs.
Keith Olander is the Executive Director of AgCentric, Minnesota State Northern Agriculture Center of Excellence. He also oversees strategic agricultural partnerships at Central Lakes College as a Dean of Agricultural Studies.
Keith invests his time in major responsibilities to augment the capacity and enrollment in comprehensive agricultural education from K-12, through post-secondary to fill industry needs. Directing the work of Minnesota Farm Business Management is also a major part of his role for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities with 62 faculty at 7 colleges with nearly 3,000 students (farmers). Keith is married with 3 children, and they reside in rural Staples. Faith, family, and his passion for agriculture consume his schedule.
Olander is one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
