Nurses Day Celebration & Awards Reception: Honoring Excellence in Nursing

May 6, 2025

On Tuesday, May 6, we gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication of our community leaders, faculty, and staff during the Nurses Day Celebration & Awards Reception. The event honored those who have made exceptional contributions in academics, leadership, service, and clinical practice, demonstrating the profound impact of the nursing profession. View Pictures >

Awardees for the 2025 Nurses Day:

• Outstanding Executive Leadership Award
  Presented to: Teresa Freeman, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
  In recognition of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing excellence in nursing practice.

• Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
  Presented to: Candace McGowen, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, CDE
  In recognition of dedication to cultivating knowledge and inspiring the next generation of nurses.

• Outstanding Faculty Service Award
  Presented to: Joy E. Hoffman, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC
  In recognition of exceptional service to the local and national nursing community.

• Outstanding Faculty Research Award
  Presented to: Sheri Howard, PhD, RN, CHSE
  In recognition of significant contributions to nursing research and scholarship.

• Outstanding Staff Award
  Presented to: Mary Judson
  For exceptional service and dedication to the mission and impact of nursing education.

• RN Clinical Excellence Awards
  Presented to:
  Kristen Elkins Campbell
  Shaska “Shay” Graham
  Marvia Balfour Coleman, MSA, RN, BSN, BS
  Christina McAlaster, RN
  Ashton Provence, RN, Advanced Nurse Clinician
  Ashley Bodine, RN
  For outstanding clinical judgment, compassion, and unwavering commitment to providing quality care.

• Overall Top Cases Award
  Presented to: Thomas Carruthers, MD
  For exceptional collaboration and dedication to advancing patient care.

• Preceptor Awards:
  Nursing Education Outstanding Preceptor Award
  Presented to: Mandi Dodson, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
  Nursing Leadership Outstanding Preceptor Award
  Presented to: Tara Etter, E-MSN, RN
  FNP Outstanding Preceptor Award
  Presented to: Thomas Carruthers, MD
  For dedication to shaping future nursing professionals through mentorship and guidance.

• 1000 Plus Cases Club Recognition Certificates
  Presented to:
  Thomas Carruthers, MD
  Chad Jones, DNP, FNP-C
  LaTonya Hardy, DNP, FNP-C
  Carl Pean, MD
  Melissa Foner, PA-C
  Lisa Powell, DNP, FNP-BC
  Martha Ballard, DNP, FNP-BC
  Ray Wakefield, MSN, FNP-C
  Tippini Conley, MSN, CFNP
  Tasha Rucker, MSN, FNP-C
  Andrea Jones, MSN, FNP-C
  For their exceptional contributions and commitment to advancing clinical practice.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees for their outstanding work and contributions to the field of nursing. Your passion, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire us all.