Celebrating Excellence in Service and Teaching
The University of North Dakota’s College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD) is proud to recognize two exceptional faculty members with the 2025 CNPD Distinguished Service & Teaching Awards.
The college is thrilled to announce that Dr. Nathaniel (Thanny) Johnson from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 CNPD Distinguished Service Award, and Dr. Brenna Swanson, also from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, has earned the 2025 CNPD Distinguished Teaching Award.
CNPD Distinguished Service Award Winner
Dr. Nathaniel ‘Thanny’ Johnson, Nutrition & Dietetics
The CNPD Distinguished Academic Service Award is intended to recognize an individual who demonstrates a high-level of service within the department, college, university, and profession, including any leadership roles.
Dr. Nathaniel ‘Thanny’ Johnson was nominated because of his extreme passion for service, which is guided by the missions of the college and department. Johnson’s expertise and creative approach to service have earned recognition from many respected organizations, including SAMSHA, the North Dakota Nutrition Council, and others. He has been invited to deliver presentations at professional conferences, demonstrating his thought leadership and dedication to advancing the field of nutrition and dietetics.
One of Johnson’s most notable contributions was his presentation at the college’s Pack the Pantry event, which raised awareness about food insecurity among UND’s student body. His efforts to address the importance of supporting students experiencing food insecurity highlight his commitment to improving students’ long-term health and well-being, both academically and personally.
Johnson also played a vital role in creating a support network for faculty and staff working with disabilities at UND, demonstrating his dedication to fostering a supportive environment for all university community members.
CNPD Distinguished Academic Teaching Award Winner
Dr. Brenna Swanson, Nutrition & Dietetics
The CNPD Distinguished Teaching Award is intended to recognize an individual who demonstrates excellence in teaching by integrating teaching methods that are engaging and produce high-quality student learning outcomes.
Dr. Brenna Swanson’s exceptional contributions to undergraduate and graduate courses earned her the Distinguished Academic Teaching Award. She is known for her passion for curriculum design and her ability to create an engaging learning environment for her students.
Swanson is recognized for her intentional approach to curriculum development, which encourages students to apply learning concepts in meaningful ways. She has been instrumental in ensuring that her students not only grasp the theoretical aspects of nutrition and dietetics but also gain practical skills that will help them succeed in their careers.
Her innovative teaching methods and her willingness to take on challenging courses have made a lasting impact on her students, who appreciate her dedication to their success. Swanson’s commitment to sharing scholarship in education and collaborating with colleagues in her department has made her a pedagogical leader within CNPD.
