Sonya Vierstraete

She is a distinguished educator and academic leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, currently serving as Chair and Professor of Education at Southwest Minnesota State University, where she has led the Education department since 2010. Prior to this role, she served as Adjunct Professor at the university, building a strong foundation in teaching and curriculum development. She is recognized as a passionate, student-centered, and visionary leader who is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of educators, advancing excellence in teaching, and fostering inclusive, innovative learning environments.