The University of Minnesota Crookston has two more reasons to celebrate teaching excellence. Kelsey Torgerson, instructor for PHYS 1002: Introductory Meteorology, and Leslie Lekatz, associate professor for ANSC 3304: Reproductive Physiology, have been selected as award recipients for the 2025-2026 Canvas Course Site Hall of Fame.
Out of 243 student-nominated courses across all five University of Minnesota system campuses, Torgerson’s Spring 2026 course was awarded the prestigious Exceptional Overall Canvas Site Design Award, often referred to as the “best of the best.” Lekatz earned the Excellence in Canvas Site Design Award. Together, their courses represented two of the just eight final awardees system-wide, following a rigorous multi-stage review by academic technologists and instructional designers.
Connecting Students to Science
Torgerson’s Canvas course stood out for its clear layout, engaging content, and supportive learning environment. Her approach to course design is rooted in continuous refinement. “Over the years, I have developed a course preparation checklist for each course I teach,” Torgerson shared. “I make improvements to the lists each semester based on what’s working and what isn’t.”
She also highlighted her driving design philosophy. “I love course design, and I believe that clarity and organization are essential to student success. When a Canvas site is clear, predictable, and easy to navigate, students don’t have to waste valuable time and mental energy figuring out where things are, what’s due when, or what’s expected of them, and can channel that time and energy directly into mastering the content.”
While instructional design standards are crucial, the true impact of Torgerson’s work is felt directly in the classroom. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a science class would be the most engaging and fun course I’d take in my college career… Kelsey has given me a second look at how interesting science really is and I am finding myself craving to know more!” — Student nominator
Reflecting on the system-wide recognition, Torgerson added, “Receiving this award means the world to me because it validates that thoughtful course design removes unnecessary barriers to learning and directly supports student success.”
Setting Students Up for Success
Lekatz relies on a similar student-centered philosophy. “Each semester, I gather student feedback and use it to improve the course, making the site responsive to students’ needs and focused on their success,” Lekatz noted. For her, true student success means “meaningful learning and growth for each individual student. My course is designed to challenge students while providing the support they need to succeed.”
Reflecting on the honor, Lekatz added, “I am honored to receive this award because it recognizes that an ongoing commitment to thoughtful Canvas design can make a meaningful difference in the student experience. My Canvas course is continually evolving based on student feedback, so this award also acknowledges the students who have helped me create a learning environment that supports student success.”
Her course design received strong praise from students. “This is one of the most organized Canvas courses I have personally ever used, not just here at UMC, but at any school I have ever attended in my educational career.” — Student nominator
Digital Accessibility
In addition to design and teaching excellence, both instructors prioritized digital accessibility, with both courses achieving accessibility scores in the high 90s on their Universal Design Online Content Inspection Tool (UDOIT) scorecards. “Achieving such high accessibility scorecards ensures every student has equal, barrier-free access to course materials,” noted Eddie Loo, Director of Online Programs and Co-Chair for UMN Crookston’s Digital Accessibility Committee.
Setting the Standard for Pedagogy and Teaching Excellence
Both Torgerson’s and Lekatz’s award-winning courses will be featured on the system-wide Canvas Hall of Fame Award Examples webpage, serving as models of instructional design for faculty across the entire UMN system. “The Crookston campus has a strong record in quality distance learning,” notes Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Rosemary Johnsen. “This recognition reflects the Crookston faculty’s commitment to continuous improvement.”
Please join campus academic affairs leadership and departmental colleagues in congratulating Kelsey Torgerson and Leslie Lekatz on this remarkable achievement and thank them for their dedication to Golden Eagle student success.
