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Alexandria College’s Kris Daby was awarded the 2021 Advisor of the Year at the virtual Opening Ceremony of the Minnesota State Collegiate DECA competition on Feb. 16.  

The award recognizes Daby for her dedication and service to students, the college and the community in her role as a DECA advisor. Daby has been a DECA advisor for 16 years since starting as an instructor at the college.  

“I get to work with each of the students and it’s so wonderful to watch them come out of their shell,” Daby said of her rewarding work as an advisor.  

In addition to DECA, each year, Daby, a Fashion Management instructor at the college, coordinates multiple field trips and events to enrich the student’s learning experience. Students visit local retailers, travel to Target Field, tour the Maurices headquarters, explore the fashion industry in New York City, submit dress designs to a design competition, and participate in two fashion shows.  

She also works closely with several regional high schools at career days, attends college fairs, and coordinates several Tech Prep courses. She always advocates for DECA at these events, said Marketing, Sales and Management Instructor Karen Meuwissen in her letter nominating her fellow instructor for the award. 

“Kris is an involved DECA advisor. She tirelessly helps students prepare for events and coordinates local chapter activities,” Meuwissen said. “Kris’s caring attitude for her students spills over to everyone she touches. She is genuine, kind, and compassionate.”