Nick Schiltz has been named the 2024 Minnesota Farm Bureau Post-Secondary Agriculture Educator of the Year, and was honored during the organization’s 106th Annual Meeting on Nov. 22 in Minnetonka. 

 

Schiltz is the Lead Agricultural Instructor and Program Coordinator at Riverland Community College in Austin. Over his eight years there, he has played a pivotal role in developing the Agricultural Sciences program, which offers certificates and degrees that prepare students for successful careers in agriculture.

 

An advocate for STEM education, Nick co-coordinates the Be Your Best program and founded the Riverland Science Technology Engineering Preparatory Academy, allowing high school students to earn college credits while exploring STEM careers. He also initiated the Agricultural and Food Science 

Technology Exploration Day, engaging youth in agriculture and safety education.

 

Nick maintains strong partnerships with local agricultural businesses, including Hormel Foods, and collaborates with regional FFA programs to enhance leadership development among students. His commitment extends to organizing FFA leadership and judging contests, providing valuable experiences for students and strengthening community ties.