Reibel receives award for excellence in academic unit service

Yvette Reibel, EdD, LDH, clinical associate professor and clinic director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, received an Award for Excellence in Academic Unit Service from the University of Minnesota.

New in 2023, the award comes from the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, as well as the Faculty Consultative Committee and the Faculty Senate. According to the committee, the award “recognizes ongoing institutional service at the local level.” The award is available to one faculty member in each department or unit system-wide. The award recognizes commitment to service that has “strengthened the functioning and climate of the unit.” 

Reibel was “surprised to say the least, but also humbled, by being chosen for this award in its inaugural year.” 

She was nominated for the award thanks to her tireless work for the school and for her division—including serving on 17 committees since 2020, mentoring nine students and serving as a thesis member, capstone advisor and writing mentor. 

“Dr. Reibel’s service has enriched the educational experience of our students and advanced the work of the committees she serves on,” reflected Cyndee Stull,DHSc, MDH, RDH, director of the Division of Dental Hygiene in her nomination letter. “I can’t think of someone more deserving of this award.”

Though she was surprised and honored to receive the award, Reibel’s passion for her division and her devotion to her team speak volumes. 

“Excellence on the unit level is essential for not only the unit, but the university as a whole,” she reflected. “When there is excellence at the unit level, it speaks to the work and progress of the institution. The university relies on individual units to fulfill the mission and vision it has set forth.” 

In her own case, Reibel seeks to exemplify excellence as a leader through communication and recognition. “As leaders we understand the workload and challenges that we experience, but taking the time to listen and respond to others with undivided attention is crucial. This feeds the institution’s culture of  belonging,” she said. “Excellence in leadership also means recognizing the contributions of others and working with them in their environment. When I experience the environment that others work in, I have a context for our interactions.” 

Communication, empathy and excellence are key in the Division of Dental Hygiene, which focuses on team building and supporting one another.

“We provide each other support in teaching, professional development and career advancement,” Reibel explained. “When others from our division succeed, we celebrate that accomplishment on an individual level but also as a division. For example, this recognition is on an individual level, but without my division supporting me, it wouldn’t be possible. I view this award as a team effort, and I’m so appreciative of my division’s support.”