Andrew Thul Named 2025 Outstanding Educator
Eden Prairie, MN, May 2, 2025 — Hennepin Technical College proudly announces that Andrew Thul, a veteran automotive technology instructor, has been honored as the 2025 Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence. This prestigious award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional instructional excellence and leadership in transportation teaching and learning.
With 29 years of dedicated service at Hennepin Technical College’s Eden Prairie campus, Thul has been instrumental in shaping the college’s automotive technology program. His commitment to hands-on learning and student success has made him a respected figure in Minnesota’s transportation education community. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stout, Thul combines academic rigor with real-world industry experience to prepare students for successful careers in the automotive field.
The Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, established in 2013, is one of eight Centers of Excellence supported by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The Center focuses on developing a highly skilled workforce to meet the current and future needs of Minnesota’s transportation industries. Through education and industry collaboration, it provides thought leadership on workforce development in the transportation sector.
“We are thrilled to see Andy’s dedication and impact recognized at the state level,” said Mark Johnson, Dean of Transportation. “His passion for teaching and commitment to student success embody the values we strive for at Hennepin Technical College.”
The Educator of the Year award will be awarded to Thul at the MTTIA conference held in August.
About Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence: The Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence drives workforce innovation through education and industry collaboration, providing thought leadership on workforce development in the transportation industry. It aims to develop a highly skilled workforce to meet the current and future needs of Minnesota’s transportation sectors.
About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Tech is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.