Northwestern Health Sciences University professor named best in state

June 2, 2015 — Renée DeVries, a professor in the college of chiropractic at Northwestern Health Sciences University, has been named 2015 Minnesota Chiropractic Association Educator of the Year.

The award, presented at the 2015 MCA Annual Convention, recognizes DeVries’ dedication to students, faculty, and the profession of chiropractic education. The award follows her recognition last year as Educator of the Year, an award presented by the American Chiropractic Association.

“It’s humbling because so many people I work with are so incredibly deserving of those recognitions, and it means a lot coming from peers,” DeVries said.

DeVries grew up in a single-family home that now is Northwestern’s alumni house, used by graduates and other visitors to campus. She attended junior high school in the main Northwestern building before the college occupied the location, and she taught swimming lessons in the building’s pool through high school and college.

“I love this place; I love this institution,” DeVries said. “It’s kind of weird I keep landing in this same geographical place and haven’t left the block, but I love this school. People here are smart and committed to what they do. It’s a great place to be.”

Drawn to chiropractic for its focus on natural therapies and its attention to prevention and wellness, DeVries received her bachelor of science and doctor of chiropractic degrees from Northwestern and went into practice as a chiropractor in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

She returned to Northwestern for a radiology residency and realized her passion for teaching. DeVries spent 17 years teaching and practicing radiology at Northwestern. She later served as dean of the college of chiropractic and then returned to teaching in 2013. She also actively mentors Northwestern’s students.

“I feel honored that students consider me someone they can turn to for a pep talk,” DeVries said. “I have a heart for people who just need a boost. I think they have such intense, busy schedules and they can get so tired. And if I can give them any kind of boost, I feel so honored to support them.”

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, DeVries is pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership and policy development from the University of Minnesota with a focus on higher education.

Her dissertation focuses on how collaborations between universities are affected by interpersonal and inter-organizational trust.

Source: North Coast Communications