CSI Educators Honored with Statewide Innovative Educator Awards
Release Date: Friday 2025-10-24
TWIN FALLS, ID - The College of Southern Idaho is proud to announce that two of its exceptional faculty members, Anna Hegsted and Mark Wasden, have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Innovative Educator Awards by the Idaho State Board of Education’s General Education Committee and CapEd Credit Union.
Anna, who has been named the Innovative Educator for Scientific Ways of Knowing, was recognized for her exemplary work in teaching Anatomy and Physiology as a general education course. Her peers commend her for setting high performance expectations and creating rich opportunities for students to reflect on their learning. Anna’s teaching emphasizes the development of durable skills while helping students understand why these skills matter in the broader world.
Mark has been honored as the Innovative Educator for Oral Communication. Known as one of CSI’s most sought-after instructors, Mark is celebrated for his ability to make learning engaging and accessible while maintaining high standards. His focus on critical thinking, collaborative exploration, and effective public communication provides students with a transformative general education experience that extends beyond the classroom.
Both educators received a $500 honorarium, a commemorative award, and the opportunity to share their high-impact teaching practices at the State GEM Awards Banquet, part of Idaho’s annual General Education Summit, held in Pocatello.
Tiffany Seeley-Case, Vice President of Instruction, shared: “We are incredibly proud of Anna and Mark for earning this well-deserved recognition. Their commitment to student success and innovative teaching reflects the very best of CSI’s mission and values. Their work not only elevates our campus but also contributes meaningfully to the advancement of general education across Idaho.”
CSI congratulates Anna and Mark on this statewide honor and celebrates their continued impact on students, colleagues, and the broader educational community.