The University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, ranked a Best National University by U.S. News & World Report, is delighted to congratulate longtime professor Dr. Karen Westberg on being honored with the Minnesota Friend of the Gifted Award.

In its criteria for bestowing the accolade, the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented noted that recipients must have “made a significant contribution toward heightening public awareness of the needs of gifted and talented young people.”

The council, which advocates for educators and parents of gifted children, presented the award during its recent annual conference at the university’s Minneapolis campus.

Dr. Westberg has taught graduate and research courses at St. Thomas since 2000, including in the Master of Arts in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which is offered 100% online. She previously was an investigator at The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented.

“Karen has done remarkable work at the University of St. Thomas,” said Jo Montie, Director of Online Special Education programs. “Her contributions to the university, and to the study of gifted education, are truly commendable.”

St. Thomas’ online Special Education-ASD program, which was launched in 2013, is powered by University Alliance technology. With professor-led video-based lectures, live chat rooms, and downloadable video and audio files, the program offers 24/7 access via mobile device or desktop computer.

To learn more about the University of St. Thomas’ 100% online programs, contact a representative at 855-295-1868 or visit www.StThomasOnline.com.

About the University of St. Thomas

Founded in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is a Catholic university based in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The largest private university in Minnesota, St. Thomas offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 90 major fields of study and 60 graduate degree programs, including master’s, education specialist, juris doctor and doctorates.

About University Alliance 

University Alliance (UA) is a leader in facilitating the online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Universities powered by UA’s technology and support services have surpassed 450,000 online enrollments – making UA one of the largest facilitators of e-learning in the country. Universities that collaborate with UA include Villanova University, the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, Florida Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, Valparaiso University, New England College, University of St. Thomas, University of San Francisco, Jacksonville University, University of Vermont, The University of Scranton, and Dominican University.