Governor Mark Dayton announced that Riverland Community College Cosmetology instructor Rhonda Besel has been appointed to the Board of Cosmetology Examiners effective June 24. Her four-year term expires January 7, 2019. She replaces Robert Salmonson on the board.

The Board of Cosmetology Examiners is one of the Minnesota’s Health Licensing Boards whose core mission is to constantly strive to serve and care for Cosmetology licensees, applicants, and the public by being committed to public protection, superior service, excellence, and continuous improvement. Further, the board is dedicated to public protection while encouraging industry development. The Board believes that leading with a vision and making sound decisions results in quality outcomes and successful operations.

Cosmetology is the art and science of beauty care and is regulated by the Board of Barber and Cosmetology Examiners. Riverland students must complete 1,550 hours of cosmetology training, pass a state board written test and the Certification of Skills test to become licensed. Riverland’s training covers all aspects of hair, skin and nail care in a state of the art salon environment. Minnesota statutes and rules, laws, chemistry, anatomy, trichology, dermatology, and safety/sanitation are key elements of this program. Students also take classes in retailing, business fundamentals and workplace human relations.

Licensed cosmetologists can choose from a wide range of career directions. Options include: stylist, chemical technician, manicurist, esthetician, manager of a salon or salon owner, sales representative, instructor, platform artist, design team, recruiter, trainer, movie production stylist or make-up artist and theatrical work. This career always has something new to offer as it represents the latest trends in fashion. Graduates talk about the satisfaction of helping customers look better and feel better about themselves.

Besel has been an instructor in Riverland Community College’s Cosmetology program since 1992.

“Rhonda Besel is well-deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, president of Riverland Community College. “She has worked diligently to establish Riverland’s Cosmetology program as best in class. Her quality instruction is a great service to our students, and now with her work with the Minnesota board, our entire state will benefit from her expertise.”