by Dennis Dalman
Dr. Kelly Crue, a long-time St. Joseph resident, was recently honored as a nominee for the 2025 “Outstanding Educator Award” for her excellent ongoing work as an instructor at the St. Cloud Technical & Community College.
Now eligible for the upcoming statewide award, Crue teaches Communications Studies at the college. Nominees are chosen by their peers and/or students. Those who were nominated are teachers throughout Minnesota’s vocational colleges, as well as other colleges and universities.
Crue and her husband, Jace, have lived in St. Joseph since 2002 and have three children: Isabel, Thomas and Westin – all students at St. John’s Prep School, Collegeville. Jace works as a nurse at the St. Cloud VA Hospital.
In a citation of praise that accompanied Crue’s candidate nomination, it stated the following:
“Dr. Kelly Crue’s nomination highlights her innovative teaching strategies and commitment to inclusivity in Communication Studies, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive learning environments. She employs diverse assessment methods, including performance-based tasks and self-reflection, to engage students in ways that allow them to experience the class through the lens of their own backgrounds. Her dedication to professional growth and community service demonstrates her commitment to advancing educational equity and fostering student success.”
The Newsleaders learned during an interview with Crue’s husband the long-time dedication of his wife’s to all aspects of education. She earned multiple degrees: a double bachelor’s degree in Communications and Women’s Studies at the University of Minnesota, Duluth; a master’s degree in Communication Studies at the University of Montana, Missoula; and a doctoral degree in Higher Administration Education from St. Cloud State University.
She started her career as a director of residential life for the College of St. Benedict. She later became the Communications Studies professor in 2010 at the St. Cloud Technical College.
Crue is a tireless, dedicated volunteer not just at the college but also in other educational programs, including at St. John’s Prep School where all three of her children study and learn.
As for hobbies, she enjoys spending time water-skiing and water-tubing with her children. She also enjoys going on four-wheeler treks.
Dr. Kelly Crue
