For more than two decades, Apryl Henry has been at the forefront of innovation in Normandale’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department. A longtime contingent faculty member, Apryl is known for blending creativity, research-based practice, and deep student care to transform how math is taught and experienced.
This year, Apryl's exceptional work was recognized nationally when she received the 2024–2025 League for Innovation’s Excellence Award, which honors community college educators who make a lasting difference in students’ lives and in their institutions. While the award highlights her many achievements, those who nominated her say it simply reflects the impact she’s made at Normandale over the years.
Mark Ahrens and Reena Kothari Arslan, who nominated Apryl for the award, describe her as “pro-active and relentless in monitoring student success,” always finding ways to meet students where they are. “She is a master at using active learning techniques to motivate and engage students in the classroom,” they wrote, crediting her for setting a high standard for teaching excellence and collaboration.
Apryl’s approach centers on connection. Each semester begins with a “Student Information Sheet” and one-on-one meetings with her asynchronous students to learn about students’ learning styles, challenges, and goals. She refers to her office hours as “student help hours” to make them more inviting and creates an environment where mistakes are part of the learning process.
“I want students to feel confident in their abilities,” Apryl said. “So many come in with math anxiety. I want them to know that making mistakes is part of learning and that they can grow and succeed.”
Apryl’s innovative spirit extends beyond the classroom. She was an early volunteer to train and mentor both Normandale colleagues and high school faculty teaching Concurrent Enrollment courses in the STATWAY sequence created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. She was also the first instructor in her department to teach hybrid and online courses and developed the first one-semester co-requisite STATWAY course.
Her leadership continues through statewide grant initiatives such as Strong Start to Finish and Math Pathways, where she has helped design co-requisite support courses for Introductory Statistics, College Algebra, and a new proposed course, Data for Everyone. Recently, she has begun exploring alternative grading methods that focus on mastery and growth rather than traditional point systems — inspired by a grading conference she attended this summer.
When asked what drives her, Apryl’s answer is simple: “Students inspire me.”
Normandale is proud to celebrate Apryl’s recognition through the League for Innovation Excellence Award. This is an honor that reflects her dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to helping students succeed.
About the Award
The League for Innovation in the Community College recognizes excellence in community college teaching and leadership annually with the League Excellence Awards (formerly John E. And Suanne D. Roueche award). More information about the award can be found at www.league.org/excellence. The 2025-2026 League Excellence Award winning faculty will be honored during Professional Development Day in October 2026.
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