Erin Berger, assistant professor of nursing at Dickinson State University (DSU), has been named the Best College Professor for 2021 in The Dickinson Press’ annual Best of the Western Edge contest.
For The Dickinson Press’ annual readers’ choice contest, residents of Southwestern North Dakota nominate individuals and businesses in a number of categories as “best of” in their area of expertise. Once nominations close, community members then have the chance to vote for their favorite in each category. This year, Berger was nominated and received the most votes in the category of Best College Professor.
Berger is a native of Dickinson and graduated from DSU with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2008. Some of her colleagues in the Department of Nursing taught her while she was a student! Berger then went on to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing with a nursing education focus from the University of North Dakota in 2019. She has experience in long-term care, clinic nursing, public health nursing and nursing management. Berger began teaching at DSU as an adjunct in August 2017 and transitioned to a full-time role just a few months later. Currently, she teaches various intermediate and advanced nursing courses at DSU. Last year, she was recognized as DSU’s Nurse Educator of the Year.
Berger has two daughters, Emberly (8) and Adely (6), and is married to Tyler, a firefighter for the City of Dickinson. A loving golden doodle named Macy completes their family.
“I’m humbled to be nominated and I appreciate everyone for voting for me. I truly do put many hours of thought and preparation into my teaching,” said Berger. “If it weren’t for my husband, parents, and other family members being supportive and allowing me the time to do my work, I would not be as successful as I am today.”
“Erin is a strong professional role model and is an excellent teacher. I believe that she inspires her students to become the best nurses that they can be,” said Dr. Mary Anne Marsh, chair of the Department of Nursing at DSU. “I also appreciate Erin’s involvement at DSU. She is actively involved in committees in the Department of Nursing and across campus and is respected by her colleagues inside and outside of the department for what she has to offer.”
Dickinson State congratulates Berger on receiving this well-deserved recognition from her community!
