Submitted Photo Roberta Valella holds her North Dakota Nurses Association recognition award. From left are Dakota College at Bottineau Interim Campus Dean Corey Gorder, nursing Instructors Kristy Torpey, Tara DeCrans, Valella and Jill Erickson, student Rocio Reina and Instructor Carolyn Espe.

BOTTINEAU – Dakota College at Bottineau nursing instructor Roberta Valella has been selected for the North Dakota Nurses Association (NDNA) Honorary Recognition Award for 2025. This designation recognizes continued commitment and contribution to the nursing profession.

Valella has been an instructor with the DCB nursing program, Minot location, since the spring semester of 2021.

Nominated by Rocio Reina, associate degree nursing student, Valella is noted for making her students feel welcome, supported, and motivated toward success. Reina highlighted how supportive Roberta was when starting her summer semester in the practical nursing program. Roberta created an atmosphere in which Reina and other students felt more excitement than worry. Instead of being overwhelmed by what they didn’t know, they found themselves motivated to keep learning and asking questions.

“When I felt tired or stretched thin, her energy and enthusiasm on the clinical floor reminded me why I chose nursing,” Reina wrote, noting Valella has a way of building up students, showing students what they are capable of and giving students the confidence to keep pushing through.

“This prestigious award is a testament to her outstanding contributions to nursing education and her support and enthusiasm she brings to her nursing students,” DCB Assistant Professor Tara DeCrans said.

Valella was formally recognized at the NDNA Annual Conference on Oct. 2.