Deborah Roiger

M.A. Education, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota B.S. Biology and Earth Science, St. Cloud State University

Deborah Roiger had originally wanted to pursue a career as a doctor, but an undergraduate education in child psychology took her in a different direction. After graduation, she became a therapist at a residential treatment center for boys. There she learned that clear expectations, specific objectives and high standards are crucial for the success of all individuals. Her experience at the St. Cloud Children’s Home prepared her well in the basic values of teaching.

After starting her family, Deborah went back to school for a teaching degree in life science. She also took the place of her high-school mentor when he retired. She earned her master’s degree in education, and began teaching anatomy and physiology at St. Cloud State University. Four years later, Deborah was recruited by St. Cloud Technical College (SCTC) to develop the A&P curriculum, design and furnish an A&P lab, and teach anatomy and physiology to their many health professions students.

Deborah has taught for twelve years and has experienced success in the Minnesota State Colleges and University system (MNSCU) of thirty-two state-sponsored technical colleges, community colleges and universities. She was voted instructor of the year in 2007 by the students at SCTC, received five awards for excellence by MNSCU for projects she developed, and was named educator of the year in 2009 by the MNSCU board of trustees. Deborah’s development of digital resources for teaching anatomy and physiology online also earned an Innovation of the Year award in 2009 from the League for Innovation in the Community College.

Deborah has presented her work in the development of anatomy and physiology resources at three national conferences. She is a member of Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS), American Academy for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and National Science Teachers’ Association.