Outstanding Alumni - 2006
Kermit Bensen
Bemidji State University Graduate 1960 & 1970
Kermit Bensen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1960, and a Master of Science in Education Administration in 1970, both from BSU. He also earned a sixth-year specialist degree from St. Cloud State University. He spent his career in education, first as an elementary and middle school teacher, then as an administrator. Kermit began teaching in Grand Rapids, MN, followed by spending five years abroad, teaching at US military dependent schools in Germany, Japan and Norway. After earning his Masters degree, Kermit taught two years at a middle school in Renton, WA, and then returned for a two year stint with the BSU lab school. As a faculty member in the lab school program, he was able to provide leadership in education change and excellence, and was also able to share his experience having taught in international locations. After working at the lab school, Kermit moved to Monticello, MN, serving as an elementary school principal for 16 years and then as a middle school principal for another 11 years. During his time as an administrator in Monticello, Kermit oversaw the design and construction, and administration of the largest elementary school in Minnesota. He later was assigned to do the same for a new middle school, providing leadership in the development of the new middle school concept, one of the first in Minnesota at the time. During this time, Kermit was instrumental in developing one of the first recycling programs for public schools using developmentally disabled students. He also planned and organized environmental outdoor classes for Renton Public Schools, using logging camps and U.S. Navy facilities in Washington State. Kermit has been recognized for his many professional accomplishments, including being a Blandin Foundation Principals Fellowship Program recipient and receiving the School of Excellence award from the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association. He was a member of the Minnesota Education Association, the National Education Association, and the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association. He is currently a member of the BSU Alumni Association and Beaver Pride, and has been a member and past president of the Bemidji Ski Club Board. He has also been an active member of his church, both in Monticello and in Bemidji.
