Commitment to Excellence Previous Recipients
Previous Award Recipients
Cindy Luddy is being nominated for exceptional teamwork by myself and Stacy Swinney. Over the holiday break, between Fall and Spring Semesters, Cindy reached out to see if there were any outstanding projects that she could help with since it would be a slower time for her. Her reaching out and being willing to take on a few things, helped to get a few projects started that have the potential to make a large impact on the team but, kept being pushed to a lower priority on my to do list. Cindy鈥檚 willingness to assist with any project is greatly appreciated! ~ Shannon Monroe I would like to take a moment to commend Cindy Luddy for her exceptional dedication and willingness to assist in finding placements for my Spring students. Upon my request for support, Cindy promptly secured a portion of Minjin Kim鈥檚 hours within just a few hours. Furthermore, she kindly offered to canvass for two additional Spring students after placing her own. Cindy consistently shares leads for my PMNP and Peds students whenever she encounters relevant information that could benefit them. I would like to nominate Cindy for an excellence coin in recognition of her outstanding hard work and commitment to the team and the MSN students. ~ Gabby Houston
Cindy Luddy
February 2025
Cindy Luddy is being nominated for exceptional teamwork by myself and Stacy Swinney. Over the holiday break, between Fall and Spring Semesters, Cindy reached out to see if there were any outstanding projects that she could help with since it would be a slower time for her. Her reaching out and being willing to take on a few things, helped to get a few projects started that have the potential to make a large impact on the team but, kept being pushed to a lower priority on my to do list. Cindy鈥檚 willingness to assist with any project is greatly appreciated! ~ Shannon Monroe
I would like to take a moment to commend Cindy Luddy for her exceptional dedication and willingness to assist in finding placements for my Spring students.
Upon my request for support, Cindy promptly secured a portion of Minjin Kim鈥檚 hours within just a few hours. Furthermore, she kindly offered to canvass for two additional Spring students after placing her own. Cindy consistently shares leads for my PMNP and Peds students whenever she encounters relevant information that could benefit them.
I would like to nominate Cindy for an excellence coin in recognition of her outstanding hard work and commitment to the team and the MSN students. ~ Gabby Houston
Nominated by: Shannon Monroe, Gabby Houston
Nominated by a peer for her exceptional teamwork. Gabby Houston always sends preceptors and approved slots that she is unable to use to her teammates to see if they have a need. This teamwork does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated by your peers. Thank you for all you do to support the team!
Gabby Houston
February 2025
Nominated by a peer for her exceptional teamwork. Gabby Houston always sends preceptors and approved slots that she is unable to use to her teammates to see if they have a need. This teamwork does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated by your peers. Thank you for all you do to support the team!
Nominated by: Shannon Monroe
For utilizing her vacation time to personally visit and thank a few of our regular preceptors in the CA area. I also received an email from a student recognizing Monica Meza for her amazing support throughout the placement process. The students comments were thanking Monica for being such a proactive placement coordinator and stated that she made her 色戒直播 placement experience as stress-free as possible so she can focus on her studies! Thank you Monica for your support of all our MSN students!
Monica Meza
February 2025
For utilizing her vacation time to personally visit and thank a few of our regular preceptors in the CA area. I also received an email from a student recognizing Monica Meza for her amazing support throughout the placement process. The students comments were thanking Monica for being such a proactive placement coordinator and stated that she made her 色戒直播 placement experience as stress-free as possible so she can focus on her studies!
Thank you Monica for your support of all our MSN students!
Nominated by: Shannon Monroe
I would like to recognize Tamara Poole for excellence in performing her duties as a clinical research coordinator on the Real Answers study and for consistently being an amazing team member performing above and beyond what is required. Not only is Tamara detail oriented, organized and a self-starter, but she is also compassionate toward our study participants and is always looking for ways to improve their experience and our study efficiency. She has initiated and improved processes to assure accurate specimen collection, makes sure that participants are compensated in a timely manner, that study information is abstracted accurately and that patient encounters are positive. Tamara goes out of her way to make calls to participants at times that are convenient to them and is flexible in meeting them in the clinic for follow-up sometimes juggling clinic visits, recruitment and research meetings and keeping track of all of these activities. She has developed a great rapport with staff at the Sickle Cell Clinic and collaborative relationships with the health care providers. Tamara has been effective in preparing and volunteering at events for the Sickle Cell community. She has worked with nursing prelicensure students during these events, encouraging them to interact with community members. Recently she oriented 2 clinical research coordinators assisting on this study and has been a panelist offering her perspective on successful recruitment strategies and our study participants' needs with graduate nursing students. Tamara's outstanding work has been a critical factor in making this study successful and she is greatly valued and very deserving of this recognition.
Tamara Poole
February 2025
I would like to recognize Tamara Poole for excellence in performing her duties as a clinical research coordinator on the Real Answers study and for consistently being an amazing team member performing above and beyond what is required. Not only is Tamara detail oriented, organized and a self-starter, but she is also compassionate toward our study participants and is always looking for ways to improve their experience and our study efficiency. She has initiated and improved processes to assure accurate specimen collection, makes sure that participants are compensated in a timely manner, that study information is abstracted accurately and that patient encounters are positive. Tamara goes out of her way to make calls to participants at times that are convenient to them and is flexible in meeting them in the clinic for follow-up sometimes juggling clinic visits, recruitment and research meetings and keeping track of all of these activities. She has developed a great rapport with staff at the Sickle Cell Clinic and collaborative relationships with the health care providers. Tamara has been effective in preparing and volunteering at events for the Sickle Cell community. She has worked with nursing prelicensure students during these events, encouraging them to interact with community members. Recently she oriented 2 clinical research coordinators assisting on this study and has been a panelist offering her perspective on successful recruitment strategies and our study participants' needs with graduate nursing students. Tamara's outstanding work has been a critical factor in making this study successful and she is greatly valued and very deserving of this recognition.
Nominated by: Nancy Crego
I would like to nominate Allender Lynch for the Commitment to Excellence award! She just prepared 75 Family Nurse Practitioner/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner student packets for the upcoming MSN program OCI happening Feb 3-4 and did so with grace and right on time despite the volume of items to assimilate. She is a key staff member for our teaching mission as well as Division 1 faculty needs. We appreciate Allender and thank her for her excellent work!
Allender Lynch
February 2025
I would like to nominate Allender Lynch for the Commitment to Excellence award! She just prepared 75 Family Nurse Practitioner/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner student packets for the upcoming MSN program OCI happening Feb 3-4 and did so with grace and right on time despite the volume of items to assimilate.
She is a key staff member for our teaching mission as well as Division 1 faculty needs. We appreciate Allender and thank her for her excellent work!
Nominated by: Kathy Trotter
Please accept my recommendation for Ms Nashonda Thomas in CND. Several months ago now, but still clearly in my mind, is the Can Do attitude and problem solver that Nashonda demonstrated the day before the Women鈥檚 Health and FNP student OCI. We were missing the contraception method in the teaching box and she immediately paused during our walk thru, offered to order it directly to her house that night, and to bring it in the next morning for the teaching station. Amazing!
Nashonda Thomas
January 2025
Please accept my recommendation for Ms Nashonda Thomas in CND. Several months ago now, but still clearly in my mind, is the Can Do attitude and problem solver that Nashonda demonstrated the day before the Women鈥檚 Health and FNP student OCI. We were missing the contraception method in the teaching box and she immediately paused during our walk thru, offered to order it directly to her house that night, and to bring it in the next morning for the teaching station. Amazing!
Nominated by: Kathy Trotter
I would like to nominate Lauren Knotts in MarCom for the Commitment to Excellence award. Lauren stepped in to offer time-limited, technical assistance in support of an internal strategic committee. This is not within her scope of duties, and her willingness to step in was timely, impactful, and sincerely appreciated. Thank you Lauren!
Lauren Knotts
January 2025
I would like to nominate Lauren Knotts in MarCom for the Commitment to Excellence award. Lauren stepped in to offer time-limited, technical assistance in support of an internal strategic committee. This is not within her scope of duties, and her willingness to step in was timely, impactful, and sincerely appreciated. Thank you Lauren!
Nominated by: Seth Levkoff
I would like to nominate Chloe Hayim for the DUSON Staff Excellence award. I frequently work with Chloe with on training grant applications/reports and she always is very helpful and responsive. Most recently, on a grant application, we realized at the last minute that a set of data tables had been overlooked. Within 24 hours of the request, Chloe completed the tables, and then met during a scheduled day off, to answer questions about the table. With her assistance, we met the deadline, and were able to submit the grant.
Chloe Hayim
January 2025
I would like to nominate Chloe Hayim for the DUSON Staff Excellence award. I frequently work with Chloe with on training grant applications/reports and she always is very helpful and responsive. Most recently, on a grant application, we realized at the last minute that a set of data tables had been overlooked. Within 24 hours of the request, Chloe completed the tables, and then met during a scheduled day off, to answer questions about the table. With her assistance, we met the deadline, and were able to submit the grant.
Nominated by: Wendy Conklin
I would like to nominate Selnatta Vereen for a service award. Before my leave began, Selnatta offered to assist in any way needed and we spent time together crafting our contingency plans. Her approach was so proactive and appreciated more than words can say. During my absence, Selnatta was responsible for handling regression analysis, offer letter, temporary requests, background checks, onboarding and delivering orientation in addition to the numerous HR responsibilities she does for DUSON every day! On January 13, Selnatta insisted on delivering that day鈥檚 orientation because she wanted me to be mindful of my energy on my first day back in the office. Her thoughtfulness and willingness to go above and beyond was the primary reason hiring managers stayed on track with hiring. Thank you, Selnatta.
Selnatta Vereen
January 2025
I would like to nominate Selnatta Vereen for a service award. Before my leave began, Selnatta offered to assist in any way needed and we spent time together crafting our contingency plans. Her approach was so proactive and appreciated more than words can say. During my absence, Selnatta was responsible for handling regression analysis, offer letter, temporary requests, background checks, onboarding and delivering orientation in addition to the numerous HR responsibilities she does for DUSON every day! On January 13, Selnatta insisted on delivering that day鈥檚 orientation because she wanted me to be mindful of my energy on my first day back in the office.
Her thoughtfulness and willingness to go above and beyond was the primary reason hiring managers stayed on track with hiring.
Thank you, Selnatta.
Nominated by: Leslie Zanaglio
I would like to nominate Carolyn Foshee for a service award. During my 6-week absence, Carolyn formatted and funneled over 70 applicants for open recruitments to the Box folder used by our hiring managers. In addition, she noted the applicant tracker within that folder with details about applicants and fielded hiring manager requests for additional candidates. Her customer service skills are commendable. In addition, her willingness to help keep staff recruitments on track shows the kind of teammate we鈥檝e come to rely on. Carolyn did this work in addition to her payroll and compliance activities and this no doubt involved longer hours. Thank you, Carolyn for being you! It is appreciated very much.
Carolyn Foshee
January 2025
I would like to nominate Carolyn Foshee for a service award. During my 6-week absence, Carolyn formatted and funneled over 70 applicants for open recruitments to the Box folder used by our hiring managers. In addition, she noted the applicant tracker within that folder with details about applicants and fielded hiring manager requests for additional candidates. Her customer service skills are commendable. In addition, her willingness to help keep staff recruitments on track shows the kind of teammate we鈥檝e come to rely on. Carolyn did this work in addition to her payroll and compliance activities and this no doubt involved longer hours. Thank you, Carolyn for being you! It is appreciated very much.
Nominated by: Leslie Zanaglio
Please accept my recommendation to honor Tiffiany Parker for the DUSON Commitment to Excellence award! She is generally responsive to MSN program needs and makes sure things run smoothly. But look at this quote from a brand new WHNP student who had a question about course transfer. Within 16 hours of her reaching out to me for consideration of transfer, Tiffiany had taken the lead and provided outstanding work to support the student and her change from a traditional student to a PGC. Here is what the student, who is a graduate of Columbia University, Dana Czuczka, MPH, BSN, RN wrote: "Subject: Re: Switch WHNP MSN to WHNP PGC Between my undergraduate and graduate and prerequisite classes and nursing degrees, I have been enrolled in many different universities. I have to share that I have never experienced such proactive support. I can鈥檛 thank you enough. I definitely chose the right place!!" So GREAT!!
Tiffiany Parker
December 2024
Please accept my recommendation to honor Tiffiany Parker for the DUSON Commitment to Excellence award!
She is generally responsive to MSN program needs and makes sure things run smoothly. But look at this quote from a brand new WHNP student who had a question about course transfer. Within 16 hours of her reaching out to me for consideration of transfer, Tiffiany had taken the lead and provided outstanding work to support the student and her change from a traditional student to a PGC. Here is what the student, who is a graduate of Columbia University, Dana Czuczka, MPH, BSN, RN wrote:
"Subject: Re: Switch WHNP MSN to WHNP PGC Between my undergraduate and graduate and prerequisite classes and nursing degrees, I have been enrolled in many different universities. I have to share that I have never experienced such proactive support. I can鈥檛 thank you enough. I definitely chose the right place!!"
So GREAT!!
Nominated by: Kathy Trotter
In support of an HRSA Funded Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) grant opportunity, Wendy Conklin and Chloe Hayim have proven themselves invaluable with their guidance and support during a federal grant application cycle that notoriously straddled the holiday break. Wendy鈥檚 ability to provide structure with submission requirements and leverage institutional knowledge around fiscal matters were critical. Chloe鈥檚 ability to respond to requests for information near instantaneously with high quality data is preternatural. In no small part due to their efforts, our grant was submitted on time. 色戒直播 is most fortunate to have Wendy and Chloe on the team. It is for these reasons, and more, that they both deserve public recognition.
Wendy Conklin and Chloe Hayim
December 2024
In support of an HRSA Funded Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) grant opportunity, Wendy Conklin and Chloe Hayim have proven themselves invaluable with their guidance and support during a federal grant application cycle that notoriously straddled the holiday break.
Wendy鈥檚 ability to provide structure with submission requirements and leverage institutional knowledge around fiscal matters were critical. Chloe鈥檚 ability to respond to requests for information near instantaneously with high quality data is preternatural. In no small part due to their efforts, our grant was submitted on time. 色戒直播 is most fortunate to have Wendy and Chloe on the team. It is for these reasons, and more, that they both deserve public recognition.
Nominated by: Sean P. Convoy
This past year, I completed the 560 required clinical hours as an AGPC-NP DUSON student. Going into FA 2023, my learning objectives and all for which I had hoped to gain in a clinical placement were very clear. The only missing piece was answering the questions of Which sites would be best placements for the list diverse and specific clinical and non-clinical related objectives laid out? Inside, I did feel a touch of concern that some would say those learning objectives would most likely not all be met. I reached out to my program director and was directed to contact the Clinical Placement Office (CPO). From there, the CPO shared to contact Siti Ricks as my assigned clinical placement representative. Siti was great. In one conversation, I gathered the courage to go through all of the learning objectives on my list and shared about what I would like to see the placements brought about by the end of FA 2024. I was impressed at how attentively Siti listened and even more so by her response. Her response started with "from what you shared X site and X site would most adequately meet those objectives...I can't make any guarantees since it is still early in the placement process for your cohort, however, I can send an email to the site and we can go from there". I felt so relieved and supported. Siti being a skilled placement advisor, whose knowledge of the sites and ability to listen, directly impacted my experience this year. I have completed the 560 clinical hours, and with much pride can share that I have met every single clinical and non-clinical objective on my initial list in a way that exceeded my expectations...and I did not do it alone. Siti's support was a great part of that and being properly placed after communicating all learning objectives. I am deeply grateful that to be ready for practice as a novice NP, understanding not only practicing as a Primary Care NP but billing, CPT and ICD-10 codes, on-the-ground practicals of how policies and laws impact practicing within my State, interprofessional collaboration within an independent practice vs a practice that is part of a larger healthcare system, just to name a few areas. Our site placement matters and can be one that further instills confidence or dispels it. Having a knowledgeable clinical placement adviser matters. It can be the difference of being placed at a site that further prepares us as future novice NPs or cheapens the experience of just getting the hours done.
Siti Ricks
December 2024
This past year, I completed the 560 required clinical hours as an AGPC-NP DUSON student. Going into FA 2023, my learning objectives and all for which I had hoped to gain in a clinical placement were very clear. The only missing piece was answering the questions of Which sites would be best placements for the list diverse and specific clinical and non-clinical related objectives laid out? Inside, I did feel a touch of concern that some would say those learning objectives would most likely not all be met.
I reached out to my program director and was directed to contact the Clinical Placement Office (CPO). From there, the CPO shared to contact Siti Ricks as my assigned clinical placement representative. Siti was great. In one conversation, I gathered the courage to go through all of the learning objectives on my list and shared about what I would like to see the placements brought about by the end of FA 2024. I was impressed at how attentively Siti listened and even more so by her response. Her response started with "from what you shared X site and X site would most adequately meet those objectives...I can't make any guarantees since it is still early in the placement process for your cohort, however, I can send an email to the site and we can go from there". I felt so relieved and supported.
Siti being a skilled placement advisor, whose knowledge of the sites and ability to listen, directly impacted my experience this year. I have completed the 560 clinical hours, and with much pride can share that I have met every single clinical and non-clinical objective on my initial list in a way that exceeded my expectations...and I did not do it alone. Siti's support was a great part of that and being properly placed after communicating all learning objectives.
I am deeply grateful that to be ready for practice as a novice NP, understanding not only practicing as a Primary Care NP but billing, CPT and ICD-10 codes, on-the-ground practicals of how policies and laws impact practicing within my State, interprofessional collaboration within an independent practice vs a practice that is part of a larger healthcare system, just to name a few areas. Our site placement matters and can be one that further instills confidence or dispels it. Having a knowledgeable clinical placement adviser matters. It can be the difference of being placed at a site that further prepares us as future novice NPs or cheapens the experience of just getting the hours done.
Nominated by: LaDonna Brown
I would like to nominate Tina Johnson for Committee to Excellence. Tina offered to assist me with clearing all the offices that had items left behind on the 3rd floor IPE. Together we cleared the items quickly to make this space readily available. Without her assistance, this task would take hours. Thank you Tina for your support and willingness to assist others without a second thought!
Tina Johnson
December 2024
I would like to nominate Tina Johnson for Committee to Excellence. Tina offered to assist me with clearing all the offices that had items left behind on the 3rd floor IPE. Together we cleared the items quickly to make this space readily available.
Without her assistance, this task would take hours. Thank you Tina for your support and willingness to assist others without a second thought!
Nominated by: Tina Leiter
I would like to nominate Melissa Ziberna for a DUSON Coin of Excellence, for her work with performing student compliance audits for our clinical partners in the pre-licensure (ABSN) program. The audits require a same-day response to demonstrate that the appropriate documentation is in place for our students to be present in the clinical areas. I have greatly enjoyed working with Melissa, who consistently demonstrates professionalism accompanied with incredible kindness and willingness to help others. Melissa recently received high praise from WakeMed鈥檚 student placement coordinator, who wrote 鈥淭hank you for successfully completing the periodic audit for compliance. Your submission was exceptionally thorough and complete. I can tell you have a keen eye for detail. Thanks so much for your work and for our partnership.鈥 Her commitment to supporting DUSON鈥 s students and the relationships with our practice partners is admirable and highly deserving of recognition!
Melissa Ziberna
December 2024
I would like to nominate Melissa Ziberna for a DUSON Coin of Excellence, for her work with performing student compliance audits for our clinical partners in the pre-licensure (ABSN) program. The audits require a same-day response to demonstrate that the appropriate documentation is in place for our students to be present in the clinical areas. I have greatly enjoyed working with Melissa, who consistently demonstrates professionalism accompanied with incredible kindness and willingness to help others. Melissa recently received high praise from WakeMed鈥檚 student placement coordinator, who wrote 鈥淭hank you for successfully completing the periodic audit for compliance. Your submission was exceptionally thorough and complete. I can tell you have a keen eye for detail. Thanks so much for your work and for our partnership.鈥 Her commitment to supporting DUSON鈥 s students and the relationships with our practice partners is admirable and highly deserving of recognition!
Nominated by: Cyndy Keener
I would like to nominate Najla McClain for a Committee to Excellence award. Najla offered to assist with the daunting task of clearing out the copy rooms on the 3rd floor IPE without a second thought. Not only did she remove all the items that were stocked in these areas, but she put them away in the Service Center. Also, she went through all the binders that were left on the counter and put them away to make the Service Center less cluttered. Najla was a huge help and did these tasks without a second thought. I really appreciate her assistance. She is a STAR and demonstrates the meaning of 鈥淭EAM鈥 in our community. Thank you, Najla, for all your help and support!
Najla McClain
December 2024
I would like to nominate Najla McClain for a Committee to Excellence award. Najla offered to assist with the daunting task of clearing out the copy rooms on the 3rd floor IPE without a second thought. Not only did she remove all the items that were stocked in these areas, but she put them away in the Service Center. Also, she went through all the binders that were left on the counter and put them away to make the Service Center less cluttered.
Najla was a huge help and did these tasks without a second thought. I really appreciate her assistance. She is a STAR and demonstrates the meaning of 鈥淭EAM鈥 in our community. Thank you, Najla, for all your help and support!
Nominated by: Tina Leiter
I鈥檇 like to nominate Troy Pinkins, Senior Director of Alumni & Engagement Programs in the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs for the Commitment to Excellence Award. Our office had an extremely busy and successful fall, and many of the efforts were led by Troy who demonstrated true professionalism and excellence in the performance of his job responsibilities. DUSON hosted our first ever football tailgate during Homecoming weekend on September 28. We had DUSON alumni, students, faculty and staff join us in celebrating 色戒直播鈥檚 Centennial Homecoming and of course the Blue Devils Football team. It was a wonderful pre-game activity, and Troy led the way in making this event successful. Four weeks later, we held our bi-annual, fall Nursing Alumni Council (NAC) meeting. As staff liaison / manager of this group of alumni volunteers, Troy did an outstanding job of planning and execution for a successful meeting, full of engagement and enthusiasm from this group of loyal alumni. Finally, during the annual American Academy of Nursing conference in Washington, DC, Troy planned and executed a wonderful reception to honor and recognize 6 DUSON alumni and 4 DUSON faculty as the newest fellows in the distinguished cohort of nurse leaders. With all of these programs, Troy did a wonderful job making sure that our alumni were front and center, and recognized for being leaders and impactful alumni in their professions. Troy demonstrated excellence in all of these, showcasing our community of outstanding leaders.
Troy Pinkins
November 2024
I鈥檇 like to nominate Troy Pinkins, Senior Director of Alumni & Engagement Programs in the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs for the Commitment to Excellence Award.
Our office had an extremely busy and successful fall, and many of the efforts were led by Troy who demonstrated true professionalism and excellence in the performance of his job responsibilities. DUSON hosted our first ever football tailgate during Homecoming weekend on September 28. We had DUSON alumni, students, faculty and staff join us in celebrating 色戒直播鈥檚 Centennial Homecoming and of course the Blue Devils Football team. It was a wonderful pre-game activity, and Troy led the way in making this event successful. Four weeks later, we held our bi-annual, fall Nursing Alumni Council (NAC) meeting. As staff liaison / manager of this group of alumni volunteers, Troy did an outstanding job of planning and execution for a successful meeting, full of engagement and enthusiasm from this group of loyal alumni. Finally, during the annual American Academy of Nursing conference in Washington, DC, Troy planned and executed a wonderful reception to honor and recognize 6 DUSON alumni and 4 DUSON faculty as the newest fellows in the distinguished cohort of nurse leaders. With all of these programs, Troy did a wonderful job making sure that our alumni were front and center, and recognized for being leaders and impactful alumni in their professions. Troy demonstrated excellence in all of these, showcasing our community of outstanding leaders.
Nominated by: Michael Strader
I would like to nominate both Eric Bloomer and Nicole Fleming for a coin of excellence. Both of them came together and assisted the MSN program with a significant challenge we have been facing. After months of road blocks faced by the MSN program, Nicole was able to, in just a matter of minutes, direct us to how to resolve our issue. Eric also stepped in and guided the program office on how to successfully navigate our issue. The end result is a much more efficient and streamline process for all MSN faculty and staff鈥hich we would not have been able to achieve without the combined efforts of Nicole and Eric. Neither had any true reason to provide this assistance other than their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Eric Bloomer and Nicole Fleming
November 2024
I would like to nominate both Eric Bloomer and Nicole Fleming for a coin of excellence. Both of them came together and assisted the MSN program with a significant challenge we have been facing. After months of road blocks faced by the MSN program, Nicole was able to, in just a matter of minutes, direct us to how to resolve our issue. Eric also stepped in and guided the program office on how to successfully navigate our issue. The end result is a much more efficient and streamline process for all MSN faculty and staff鈥hich we would not have been able to achieve without the combined efforts of Nicole and Eric.
Neither had any true reason to provide this assistance other than their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Nominated by: Benjamin A. Smallheer
I would like to nominate Eric Bloomer, Educational Technology Specialist, for a Commitment to Excellence Award for helping the MSN Program navigate through some unforeseen obstacles with a tech project. His dedication, guidance, and quick response in supporting our MSN Program needs have helped ensure our program will run smoothly, effective, and efficient. We are grateful to have him as a colleague with his caliber of expertise and experience.
Eric Bloomer
November 2024
I would like to nominate Eric Bloomer, Educational Technology Specialist, for a Commitment to Excellence Award for helping the MSN Program navigate through some unforeseen obstacles with a tech project. His dedication, guidance, and quick response in supporting our MSN Program needs have helped ensure our program will run smoothly, effective, and efficient. We are grateful to have him as a colleague with his caliber of expertise and experience.
Nominated by: Tiffiany Parker
I would like to make a recommendation for Rodney Bean and Corey Brown to receive the commitment to excellence coin for going above and beyond for the financial aid office last week. I had to record a webinar in the studio two weeks ago and it had to be done by September 19th. They sent the recording to me to review and there were issues in the recording from my mistake. The patience displayed by both of these individuals displayed with me were phenomenal. Although they were extremely busy, they worked on getting me back into the studio the Tuesday before the 19th to rerecord the session and Rodney gave me some helpful tips while I was rerecording. I finished the recording the same day within an hour and they sent it back to me by the end of that day to use in my Financial Aid webinar that Thursday. Their professionalism, patience, and going above and beyond the call of duty for our office should be recognized with a commitment to excellence coin.
Rodney Bean and Corey Brown
September 2024
I would like to make a recommendation for Rodney Bean and Corey Brown to receive the commitment to excellence coin for going above and beyond for the financial aid office last week. I had to record a webinar in the studio two weeks ago and it had to be done by September 19th. They sent the recording to me to review and there were issues in the recording from my mistake. The patience displayed by both of these individuals displayed with me were phenomenal.
Although they were extremely busy, they worked on getting me back into the studio the Tuesday before the 19th to rerecord the session and Rodney gave me some helpful tips while I was rerecording. I finished the recording the same day within an hour and they sent it back to me by the end of that day to use in my Financial Aid webinar that Thursday. Their professionalism, patience, and going above and beyond the call of duty for our office should be recognized with a commitment to excellence coin.
Nominated by: Cecil Outlaw
I would like to nominate Karen Lowdermilk and Cyndy Keener for the Commitment to Excellence coin. Their expertise and lightning-fast turnaround of items needed for our DME application was outstanding! I am grateful to have them as part of the prelicensure team and DUSON. They showed exceptional dedication and their contributions were invaluable. Thank you for considering them for this recognition.
Karen Lowdermilk and Cyndy Keener
September 2024
I would like to nominate Karen Lowdermilk and Cyndy Keener for the Commitment to Excellence coin. Their expertise and lightning-fast turnaround of items needed for our DME application was outstanding! I am grateful to have them as part of the prelicensure team and DUSON. They showed exceptional dedication and their contributions were invaluable. Thank you for considering them for this recognition.
Nominated by: Stephanie A. Gedzyk-Nieman
I would like to nominate Mary Katherine (MK) Powers, Web Administrator for a Staff Commitment to Excellence Award. After our team made a strategic decision to move forward with our website redesign internally, MK immediately went into action. She led a phased approach to launch the refreshed pages for the website, working simultaneously as a designer, a project manager, and a developer to implement all of the changes. By the time the website project is fully implemented, MK will have updated 90+ pages. This is normally the work of a multi-person web development team! Throughout all of this, she has also still managed to respond rapidly to urgent faculty and staff website web needs. I frequently receive feedback about how quickly and efficiently she completes requests, and how her patience and dedication is appreciated. Thank you to MK for all of your efforts to support the DUSON community and bring our new website to life!
Mary Katherine Powers
September 2024
I would like to nominate Mary Katherine (MK) Powers, Web Administrator for a Staff Commitment to Excellence Award. After our team made a strategic decision to move forward with our website redesign internally, MK immediately went into action. She led a phased approach to launch the refreshed pages for the website, working simultaneously as a designer, a project manager, and a developer to implement all of the changes. By the time the website project is fully implemented, MK will have updated 90+ pages. This is normally the work of a multi-person web development team! Throughout all of this, she has also still managed to respond rapidly to urgent faculty and staff website web needs. I frequently receive feedback about how quickly and efficiently she completes requests, and how her patience and dedication is appreciated. Thank you to MK for all of your efforts to support the DUSON community and bring our new website to life!
Nominated by: Sara Aghajanian
We would like to nominate Eric Bloomer for the Commitment to Excellence Award. Eric consistently demonstrates excellence by providing exceptional service for every actionable item that we ask of him. Eric supports multiple pre-licensure courses at DUSON and in doing so, he offer suggestions to improve our course delivery and contributes to making our courses more user friendly with similar formatting for the students. Eric is always professional and timely in all deliverables. He produces high quality work that is well appreciated for our large class sizes and multiple clinical excursions. Eric exemplifies his commitment to supporting our mission, vision and values on a daily basis. Thank you, Eric
Eric Bloomer
September 2024
We would like to nominate Eric Bloomer for the Commitment to Excellence Award. Eric consistently demonstrates excellence by providing exceptional service for every actionable item that we ask of him. Eric supports multiple pre-licensure courses at DUSON and in doing so, he offer suggestions to improve our course delivery and contributes to making our courses more user friendly with similar formatting for the students. Eric is always professional and timely in all deliverables. He produces high quality work that is well appreciated for our large class sizes and multiple clinical excursions. Eric exemplifies his commitment to supporting our mission, vision and values on a daily basis. Thank you, Eric
Nominated by: Jill Brennan-Cook and Deirdre Thornlow
I am writing to nominate Akshita Movva, a clinical research coordinator at DUSON, for the Commitment to Excellence Recognition. Akshita has been working with me on a study implementing a community acupuncture clinic. She is dedicated to the goals of the study and consistently goes above and beyond her assigned tasks. Akshita has a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, whether they are study participants, acupuncturists, or community partners. She is always respectful, friendly, and professional in her interactions. She has excellent communication skills and ensures that everyone is informed and updated on the study progress and any issues that arise. One of the most impressive aspects of Akshita's work is her rapport with the study participants. She is attentive and compassionate to their needs and concerns. She follows up with them regularly and makes sure they are satisfied with their study experience. She also coordinates with the acupuncturists and the community partners to schedule the study visits and manage the data collection. One of our study acupuncturists noted: "Akshita鈥檚 the best!!! I want to clone her to work in my practice." I could not agree more. Akshita is a valuable and indispensable member of our research team. She exemplifies excellence in her work and I strongly recommend her for this recognition
Akshita Movva
September 2024
I am writing to nominate Akshita Movva, a clinical research coordinator at DUSON, for the Commitment to Excellence Recognition. Akshita has been working with me on a study implementing a community acupuncture clinic. She is dedicated to the goals of the study and consistently goes above and beyond her assigned tasks. Akshita has a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, whether they are study participants, acupuncturists, or community partners. She is always respectful, friendly, and professional in her interactions. She has excellent communication skills and ensures that everyone is informed and updated on the study progress and any issues that arise. One of the most impressive aspects of Akshita's work is her rapport with the study participants. She is attentive and compassionate to their needs and concerns. She follows up with them regularly and makes sure they are satisfied with their study experience. She also coordinates with the acupuncturists and the community partners to schedule the study visits and manage the data collection. One of our study acupuncturists noted: "Akshita鈥檚 the best!!! I want to clone her to work in my practice." I could not agree more. Akshita is a valuable and indispensable member of our research team. She exemplifies excellence in her work and I strongly recommend her for this recognition
Nominated by: Mitchell Knisely
I am pleased to nominate Andrew (Drew) Buchanan and Sara Aghajanian, for the commitment to excellence award, for their essential role in pulling together a recent grant application to the CVS Health Foundation. I believe Drew exemplifies, on a consistent basis, real excellence in his ability to help us communicate some of the many strengths of DUSON in an engaging, accessible manner. This past month, we needed to call on those skills, under exceptionally short notice, in order to create some brief but pithy video clips starring our community partners in Pamlico County. Together with his supervisor, Sara they worked out a strategy for us to 鈥榳orkshop the messaging鈥, and then travel to our partners to get the filming done on their turf, and on their time. I think the combination of Drew鈥檚 skills, willingness to go the extra mile (actually 200 miles round trip, on the day immediately after his vacation!) along with Sara鈥檚 strategic vision which allowed this project to be prioritized were truly outstanding. I had the good fortune to watch Drew in action with our community partners, as he very patiently led us all through an approach to getting the videos made in a manner that was comfortable for them, and allowed their genuine commitment to the community shine through. I also had complete confidence in Drew鈥檚 ability to manage the technical aspects of making certain that the files were of the correct size and format to meet the foundation鈥檚 expectations. This all had to come together very quickly, and I remain amazed that we were able to pull this off. I鈥檓 very grateful to be a part of a community with such talented and hard working folks.
Drew Buchanan and Sara Aghajanian
September 2024
I am pleased to nominate Andrew (Drew) Buchanan and Sara Aghajanian, for the commitment to excellence award, for their essential role in pulling together a recent grant application to the CVS Health Foundation. I believe Drew exemplifies, on a consistent basis, real excellence in his ability to help us communicate some of the many strengths of DUSON in an engaging, accessible manner. This past month, we needed to call on those skills, under exceptionally short notice, in order to create some brief but pithy video clips starring our community partners in Pamlico County. Together with his supervisor, Sara they worked out a strategy for us to 鈥榳orkshop the messaging鈥, and then travel to our partners to get the filming done on their turf, and on their time. I think the combination of Drew鈥檚 skills, willingness to go the extra mile (actually 200 miles round trip, on the day immediately after his vacation!) along with Sara鈥檚 strategic vision which allowed this project to be prioritized were truly outstanding. I had the good fortune to watch Drew in action with our community partners, as he very patiently led us all through an approach to getting the videos made in a manner that was comfortable for them, and allowed their genuine commitment to the community shine through. I also had complete confidence in Drew鈥檚 ability to manage the technical aspects of making certain that the files were of the correct size and format to meet the foundation鈥檚 expectations. This all had to come together very quickly, and I remain amazed that we were able to pull this off. I鈥檓 very grateful to be a part of a community with such talented and hard working folks.
Nominated by: Eleanor S. (Ellie) McConnell
In anticipation of the summer semester, the team of Bonita Douglas and Rometa Summerlin partnered to transform graduate course N763 (Psychopharmacology) from Sakai to Canvas. What distinguishes this exceptional effort from standard workflow comes by EdTech鈥檚 ability to adapt to each other鈥檚 absence dynamically and decisively without compromising the work. I initially worked with Bonita to build my course. Upon Bonita鈥檚 absence (vacation), I submitted a trouble ticket and Rometa immediately tagged in resolving a few outstanding issues in a matter of minutes. This coordinated effort allowed me to open N763 to students 1 week before the official beginning of the semester. Mindful that this kind of effort requires strategic coordination, I am also compelled to recognize Tina Johnson in her managerial position with Educational Technology. EdTech鈥檚 ability to dynamically adapt to their internal customers represents the gold standard for DUSON.
Bonita Douglas, Rometa Summerlin, and Tina Johnson
July 2024
In anticipation of the summer semester, the team of Bonita Douglas and Rometa Summerlin partnered to transform graduate course N763 (Psychopharmacology) from Sakai to Canvas. What distinguishes this exceptional effort from standard workflow comes by EdTech鈥檚 ability to adapt to each other鈥檚 absence dynamically and decisively without compromising the work. I initially worked with Bonita to build my course. Upon Bonita鈥檚 absence (vacation), I submitted a trouble ticket and Rometa immediately tagged in resolving a few outstanding issues in a matter of minutes. This coordinated effort allowed me to open N763 to students 1 week before the official beginning of the semester.
Mindful that this kind of effort requires strategic coordination, I am also compelled to recognize Tina Johnson in her managerial position with Educational Technology. EdTech鈥檚 ability to dynamically adapt to their internal customers represents the gold standard for DUSON.
Nominated by: Sean P. Convoy
I would like to nominate Tammy Dozier, Senior Financial Aid Counselor, for a Commitment to Excellence coin. Tammy managed the financial aid office on her own during an extremely busy time, when fall Bursar bills were issued and spring ABSN students were admitted. She also had unexpected projects and requests come in during this time related to North Carolina grants and Nurse Faculty loan. Despite all of this, Tammy continued to provide a high level of customer service in providing timely, accurate, and helpful responses to students, faculty, and staff. Thank you, Tammy, for your hard work and dedication to the DUSON community!
Tammy Dozier
July 2024
I would like to nominate Tammy Dozier, Senior Financial Aid Counselor, for a Commitment to Excellence coin. Tammy managed the financial aid office on her own during an extremely busy time, when fall Bursar bills were issued and spring ABSN students were admitted. She also had unexpected projects and requests come in during this time related to North Carolina grants and Nurse Faculty loan. Despite all of this, Tammy continued to provide a high level of customer service in providing timely, accurate, and helpful responses to students, faculty, and staff. Thank you, Tammy, for your hard work and dedication to the DUSON community!
Nominated by: Jill Cordell
I would like to nominate Jeaneen McQueen, EVS evening staff member for Commitment to Excellence Award. Jeaneen, went beyond her responsibilities as EVS staff to assist our faculty member with AV equipment. Thank you Jeaneen for assisting our faculty member!
Jeaneen McQueen
June 2024
I would like to nominate Jeaneen McQueen, EVS evening staff member for Commitment to Excellence Award. Jeaneen, went beyond her responsibilities as EVS staff to assist our faculty member with AV equipment. Thank you Jeaneen for assisting our faculty member!
Nominated by: Tina Leiter
Please accept this nomination of Karen Lowdermilk and Brandon Holmes for the commitment to excellence coin. While this is just one example among many for each, Karen and Brandon deserve special recognition for their quick and innovative thinking related to a time sensitive project. Both Karen and Brandon put forth significant efforts to support the DUSON school mission when called upon in the 12th hour. Their attitude of 鈥測es, and what else can I do?鈥 made the entire project come together seamlessly. Both Karen and Brandon continue to be examples of teamwork, effective communicators, and advocates for progress.
Karen Lowdermilk and Brandon Holmes
May 2024
Please accept this nomination of Karen Lowdermilk and Brandon Holmes for the commitment to excellence coin. While this is just one example among many for each, Karen and Brandon deserve special recognition for their quick and innovative thinking related to a time sensitive project. Both Karen and Brandon put forth significant efforts to support the DUSON school mission when called upon in the 12th hour. Their attitude of 鈥測es, and what else can I do?鈥 made the entire project come together seamlessly. Both Karen and Brandon continue to be examples of teamwork, effective communicators, and advocates for progress.
Nominated by: Nora Harrington
Once again I wanted to recognize 2 individuals for a commitment to excellence gold coin. I am not certain who is their manager as Nora has left 馃槉 Grace Woodbury (and Nora) in admissions for assisting us in moving the International Rwanda students forward (out of cycle) so rapidly for the Fall'24 semester to increase DUSON enrollment and assist in a smooth transition of these students as a cohort (checking on pre-requisite courses). Yet more importantly, to assist in increasing our collaboration with international DNP students/schools! Chole Hayim has been vital in providing DNP statistics with a 24-48hr period to support our recent Jonas Scholars (grant) submission to support our BSN-DNP students for tuition scholarships and for future faculty teaching. She then turned around and also helped us with DNP program metrics to support our DNP Re-envisioning task force. While she and others may say鈥 this is her role鈥 it is with the efficiency, professionalism and follow-up that makes us so grateful to have her in this role. This work has also let to discussion re: future needs (asking questions on the DNP applications ) to assist in enrollment numbers and demographic data needed for the DNP program and projects.
Grace Woodbury and Chole Hayim
May 2024
Once again I wanted to recognize 2 individuals for a commitment to excellence gold coin. I am not certain who is their manager as Nora has left 馃槉
Grace Woodbury (and Nora) in admissions for assisting us in moving the International Rwanda students forward (out of cycle) so rapidly for the Fall'24 semester to increase DUSON enrollment and assist in a smooth transition of these students as a cohort (checking on pre-requisite courses). Yet more importantly, to assist in increasing our collaboration with international DNP students/schools!
Chole Hayim has been vital in providing DNP statistics with a 24-48hr period to support our recent Jonas Scholars (grant) submission to support our BSN-DNP students for tuition scholarships and for future faculty teaching. She then turned around and also helped us with DNP program metrics to support our DNP Re-envisioning task force. While she and others may say鈥 this is her role鈥 it is with the efficiency, professionalism and follow-up that makes us so grateful to have her in this role. This work has also let to discussion re: future needs (asking questions on the DNP applications ) to assist in enrollment numbers and demographic data needed for the DNP program and projects.
Nominated by: Mary Lou Affronti
I would like to nominate Seth Levkoff for an Excellence Coin. He went out of his way to help be get oriented with Smart Sheet for the Task force #4 MEPN program and continues to check in to see if I need help. Seth is always willing to go above and beyond to help anyone when he is asked. I truly appreciate him and so enjoy working with him.
Seth Levkoff
May 2024
I would like to nominate Seth Levkoff for an Excellence Coin. He went out of his way to help be get oriented with Smart Sheet for the Task force #4 MEPN program and continues to check in to see if I need help. Seth is always willing to go above and beyond to help anyone when he is asked. I truly appreciate him and so enjoy working with him.
Nominated by: Karen Jackson
I'd like to nominate Leslie Zanaglio for a coin to recognize her service in expediting our new hire for Maggie's position and all the support she provided me through the process. She was super responsive to all my questions and truly helped us in getting the best candidate for the job!
Leslie Zanaglio
April 2024
I'd like to nominate Leslie Zanaglio for a coin to recognize her service in expediting our new hire for Maggie's position and all the support she provided me through the process. She was super responsive to all my questions and truly helped us in getting the best candidate for the job!
Nominated by: Stephanie Gedzyk-Nieman
I would recognize the amazing team in the Financial aid Office team and Wendy Conklin for the incredible 鈥渆xtra鈥 effort they offered to the student-recipients of our most recent APPLES (HRSA-Funding) scholarship awards. The team worked with Mary and the individual students to MAXIMIZE the scholarship awards each would receive. The work took significant time, calculations and thoughtfulness to achieve and demonstrated extraordinary customer service to our students. Because of the remarkable teamwork, each selected student will receive the most scholarship funding possible while leveraging their current funding sources. ALL of them will gain the mental health competencies and confidence to deliver care to pediatric patients and families in the future鈥攖ruly remarkable! On behalf of the APPLES team, please award the Financial office team (Jill Cordell, Cecil Outlaw, and Tammy Dozier) and Wendy excellence coins and our heartfelt thanks for the exemplary care to our students.
Wendy Conklin
April 2024
I would recognize the amazing team in the Financial aid Office team and Wendy Conklin for the incredible 鈥渆xtra鈥 effort they offered to the student-recipients of our most recent APPLES (HRSA-Funding) scholarship awards.
The team worked with Mary and the individual students to MAXIMIZE the scholarship awards each would receive.
The work took significant time, calculations and thoughtfulness to achieve and demonstrated extraordinary customer service to our students. Because of the remarkable teamwork, each selected student will receive the most scholarship funding possible while leveraging their current funding sources. ALL of them will gain the mental health competencies and confidence to deliver care to pediatric patients and families in the future鈥攖ruly remarkable!
On behalf of the APPLES team, please award the Financial office team (Jill Cordell, Cecil Outlaw, and Tammy Dozier) and Wendy excellence coins and our heartfelt thanks for the exemplary care to our students.
Nominated by: Anne Derouin
I would like to nominate Carla Nichols for an excellence coin. I am enrolled in courses at another college and had been experiencing connection issues for online courses for over a week. The IT team at the other college had been trying to resolve the issue to no avail. They notified me and several students that they would have to request help from the vendor. I was really frustrated that I couldn鈥檛 attend class and had an exam due in less than a week. I sent Carla a note on Jabber just to see if this was an issue that she was familiar with. I didn鈥檛 expect her to take on the task of fixing it for me because this was not a DUSON issue. Carla sent me directions to complete a few steps on my laptop. She then followed up via email with other things I could do to troubleshoot the issue. The next day I was able to attend class. I felt like someone removed a boulder from my path. Our IT team is superb in what they do, and I believe it is because Carla provides an example to them for providing expert service. She could have told me to continue to consult the IT at the school where I am enrolled. She responded to my cry for help and without hesitation helped me to find resolution. I am always appreciative that she is a part of the DUSON team and even more so grateful for her dedication, commitment to excellence, and being a part of the solution.
Carla Nichols
April 2024
I would like to nominate Carla Nichols for an excellence coin. I am enrolled in courses at another college and had been experiencing connection issues for online courses for over a week. The IT team at the other college had been trying to resolve the issue to no avail. They notified me and several students that they would have to request help from the vendor. I was really frustrated that I couldn鈥檛 attend class and had an exam due in less than a week.
I sent Carla a note on Jabber just to see if this was an issue that she was familiar with. I didn鈥檛 expect her to take on the task of fixing it for me because this was not a DUSON issue. Carla sent me directions to complete a few steps on my laptop. She then followed up via email with other things I could do to troubleshoot the issue. The next day I was able to attend class. I felt like someone removed a boulder from my path.
Our IT team is superb in what they do, and I believe it is because Carla provides an example to them for providing expert service. She could have told me to continue to consult the IT at the school where I am enrolled. She responded to my cry for help and without hesitation helped me to find resolution. I am always appreciative that she is a part of the DUSON team and even more so grateful for her dedication, commitment to excellence, and being a part of the solution.
Nominated by: Selnatta Vereen
The IPEC Center wanted to take a moment to say thank you to Rometa Summerlin for her support in build up to the FLIP 2 Workshop at the end of February. FLIP Workshops are coordinated by the 色戒直播 IPEC Center for first year health profession students to have a dedicated time for interpersonal (IP) collaboration. There are not many opportunities for medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pathologists鈥 assistants, physical therapy and physician assistant students to work in IP teams completing learning activities and clinical case reviews. Two weeks before the workshop, we post a video module for review and offer supplemental workshop handouts and information for students. We鈥檝e recently created two Canvas sites, one for nursing students and one for medical students (because of course there are two different canvas sites for School of Nursing and School of Medicine students). The challenge was 4th semester ABSN students who are not enrolled in courses on Canvas. Rometa, the assigned support for a 4thsemester course on Sakai was quick to the rescue, and within hours of being asked, duplicated the Canvas site for students onto Sakai. She then kindly worked alongside us as we prepared for FLIP, opened links for the day of FLIP, and continued to field questions for students after. Thank you so much Rometa!! This Commitment to Excellence coin is another way of sharing our appreciation for your thoughtfulness, quick turnaround, and great attitude.
Rometa Summerlin
April 2024
The IPEC Center wanted to take a moment to say thank you to Rometa Summerlin for her support in build up to the FLIP 2 Workshop at the end of February. FLIP Workshops are coordinated by the 色戒直播 IPEC Center for first year health profession students to have a dedicated time for interpersonal (IP) collaboration. There are not many opportunities for medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pathologists鈥 assistants, physical therapy and physician assistant students to work in IP teams completing learning activities and clinical case reviews. Two weeks before the workshop, we post a video module for review and offer supplemental workshop handouts and information for students. We鈥檝e recently created two Canvas sites, one for nursing students and one for medical students (because of course there are two different canvas sites for School of Nursing and School of Medicine students). The challenge was 4th semester ABSN students who are not enrolled in courses on Canvas. Rometa, the assigned support for a 4thsemester course on Sakai was quick to the rescue, and within hours of being asked, duplicated the Canvas site for students onto Sakai. She then kindly worked alongside us as we prepared for FLIP, opened links for the day of FLIP, and continued to field questions for students after. Thank you so much Rometa!! This Commitment to Excellence coin is another way of sharing our appreciation for your thoughtfulness, quick turnaround, and great attitude.
Nominated by: Najla McClain and Zakyya Kenny
I鈥檇 like to nominate Wendy Conklin for the Commitment to Excellence Award for her support to our HRSA cooperative agreement that funds the M-PACT Clinic program. Before each HRSA report is due, Wendy makes sure we have it on the calendar so we start preparing. She is so experienced in the processes of reporting to internal 色戒直播 and HRSA and this brings us a lot of assurance that reports are submitted correctly and on time. Recently, a brand new report was required by HRSA. Wendy jumped right in to help me make sense of what information we were being asked to submit and also ran a special report that provided us the necessary data. When I was having trouble with entering the correct information, Wendy suggested we jump on Zoom, and with her help I was able to submit the report. I would not have been able to complete the report without her! I鈥檓 so appreciative of her willingness to help 鈥 right in the moment, her expertise and professionalism.
Wendy Conklin
April 2024
I鈥檇 like to nominate Wendy Conklin for the Commitment to Excellence Award for her support to our HRSA cooperative agreement that funds the M-PACT Clinic program. Before each HRSA report is due, Wendy makes sure we have it on the calendar so we start preparing. She is so experienced in the processes of reporting to internal 色戒直播 and HRSA and this brings us a lot of assurance that reports are submitted correctly and on time. Recently, a brand new report was required by HRSA. Wendy jumped right in to help me make sense of what information we were being asked to submit and also ran a special report that provided us the necessary data. When I was having trouble with entering the correct information, Wendy suggested we jump on Zoom, and with her help I was able to submit the report. I would not have been able to complete the report without her! I鈥檓 so appreciative of her willingness to help 鈥 right in the moment, her expertise and professionalism.
Nominated by: Heather Mountz
We would like to nominate Nashonda Thomas for her superb work during the most recent multiweek sessions of on campus intensives for nurse practitioners. The MSN NP enrollment has increased across each of the eight majors and as such require support from an individual who is able to navigate a complex schedule to support the needs of the learners. Nashonda was able to organize equipment and supplies to support clinical learning needs of more than 200 leaners during the week. She completed these activities with a high level of service to the students, faculty and other staff. Her exceptional organization, planning and attention to detail resulted in superb experiences for the nurse practitioner students engaged in their on-campus experiences.
Nashonda Thomas
March 2024
We would like to nominate Nashonda Thomas for her superb work during the most recent multiweek sessions of on campus intensives for nurse practitioners. The MSN NP enrollment has increased across each of the eight majors and as such require support from an individual who is able to navigate a complex schedule to support the needs of the learners. Nashonda was able to organize equipment and supplies to support clinical learning needs of more than 200 leaners during the week. She completed these activities with a high level of service to the students, faculty and other staff. Her exceptional organization, planning and attention to detail resulted in superb experiences for the nurse practitioner students engaged in their on-campus experiences.
Nominated by: Remi Hueckel and Midge Bowers
I would like to nominate Cindy Luddy because my colleague went above and beyond by connecting me with a contact at a healthcare facility in Florida, where I was able to secure a clinical placement for pediatric primary care. This is an area that is notoriously difficult to find placements in, and I am extremely grateful for Cindy鈥檚 assistance and support. Cindy鈥檚 knowledge and willingness to share information with me not only helped me to secure this valuable experience for our student this Spring, but also future students in Florida. I believe that Cindy鈥檚 generosity and support deserves recognition, and I am proud to nominate her for going out of their way to help me succeed.
Cindy Luddy
March 2024
I would like to nominate Cindy Luddy because my colleague went above and beyond by connecting me with a contact at a healthcare facility in Florida, where I was able to secure a clinical placement for pediatric primary care. This is an area that is notoriously difficult to find placements in, and I am extremely grateful for Cindy鈥檚 assistance and support.
Cindy鈥檚 knowledge and willingness to share information with me not only helped me to secure this valuable experience for our student this Spring, but also future students in Florida. I believe that Cindy鈥檚 generosity and support deserves recognition, and I am proud to nominate her for going out of their way to help me succeed.
Nominated by: Gabby Houston
I would like to nominate Raymond Brisson and Erika Smalls staff members of the Center for Nursing Discovery (CND) DUSON's CND coordinated a Summative High Fidelity Standardized Patient Simulation event for the PMHNP graduating class of 2024 supporting N770, 2 Formative High Fidelity Standardized Patient Simulation events for the PMHNP class of 2025 supporting N759, (Two 1 day events, routing 52 students through an outpatient clinic evaluating 1 patient per episode) generating over 138 hours of high quality standardized patient simulation. The degree and precision of logistical coordination between the CND, standardized patients, faculty, and students must be superlative to achieve learning objectives within the allotted time. The CND has humbly taken on a dramatic increase in workload with a "can do" spirit.
Raymond Brisson and Erika Smalls
March 2024
I would like to nominate Raymond Brisson and Erika Smalls staff members of the Center for Nursing Discovery (CND) DUSON's CND coordinated a Summative High Fidelity Standardized Patient Simulation event for the PMHNP graduating class of 2024 supporting N770, 2 Formative High Fidelity Standardized Patient Simulation events for the PMHNP class of 2025 supporting N759, (Two 1 day events, routing 52 students through an outpatient clinic evaluating 1 patient per episode) generating over 138 hours of high quality standardized patient simulation. The degree and precision of logistical coordination between the CND, standardized patients, faculty, and students must be superlative to achieve learning objectives within the allotted time. The CND has humbly taken on a dramatic increase in workload with a "can do" spirit.
Nominated by: Benjamin Smallheer
I would like to recognize 鈥淢unah鈥 鈥 aka Maimunah Kokayi with a gold coin for her recent support for the DNP program! On January 9th my computer crashed 10 minutes before my Assistant Dean presentation for DNP virtual orientation! With Dr. AnnMarie Walton鈥檚 assistance, Maimunah developed a backup plan using AnnMarie鈥檚 computer (and my slide deck) while she figured out the issue. With Maimunah鈥檚 help I was ready to present within 1 minute of my presentation time on my computer! While I even had one minute to gather my composure to present after a stressful event, what impressed me the most was that she stayed by in my office (while continuing to work on her phone) for my 15-minute presentation to make sure it went well鈥攁nd even gave me feedback! True dedication 鈥 I am so appreciative of her support and team work!
Maimunah Kokayi
March 2024
I would like to recognize 鈥淢unah鈥 鈥 aka Maimunah Kokayi with a gold coin for her recent support for the DNP program!
On January 9th my computer crashed 10 minutes before my Assistant Dean presentation for DNP virtual orientation! With Dr. AnnMarie Walton鈥檚 assistance, Maimunah developed a backup plan using AnnMarie鈥檚 computer (and my slide deck) while she figured out the issue.
With Maimunah鈥檚 help I was ready to present within 1 minute of my presentation time on my computer! While I even had one minute to gather my composure to present after a stressful event, what impressed me the most was that she stayed by in my office (while continuing to work on her phone) for my 15-minute presentation to make sure it went well鈥攁nd even gave me feedback! True dedication 鈥 I am so appreciative of her support and team work!
Nominated by: Mary Lou Affronti
I would like to nominate Wendy Conklin for this award. She has been simply amazing at helping shepherd through a big ($5 Million over 5 years), complex HRSA grant proposal鈥 multiple schools (色戒直播, NCCU, NC community college system, AHEC), multiple faculty, multiple challenges, and a blisteringly short deadline. She is always knowledgeable, has suggestions for how to overcome obstacles, and is unfailing gracious in guiding us. And her work ethic鈥atiently helping us through evening and weekend hours, when there was no other way to get this done. And as a mentor once pointed out to me 鈥 excellence is not a 鈥榦ne-off鈥 鈥 it is a habit鈥.and she has that habit!
Wendy Conklin
February 2024
I would like to nominate Wendy Conklin for this award. She has been simply amazing at helping shepherd through a big ($5 Million over 5 years), complex HRSA grant proposal鈥 multiple schools (色戒直播, NCCU, NC community college system, AHEC), multiple faculty, multiple challenges, and a blisteringly short deadline. She is always knowledgeable, has suggestions for how to overcome obstacles, and is unfailing gracious in guiding us.
And her work ethic鈥atiently helping us through evening and weekend hours, when there was no other way to get this done. And as a mentor once pointed out to me 鈥 excellence is not a 鈥榦ne-off鈥 鈥 it is a habit鈥.and she has that habit!
Nominated by: Eleanor McConnell
I would like to nominate Keysha Hall and Brandon Holmes. Keysha's dedication is clearly demonstrated through her timely provision of essential data and consistent follow-through, which significantly boosts our program's efficiency and outcomes. Her proactive coordination ensures our operations run smoothly, setting a high standard for our team's performance. In the admissions office, Brandon's contributions are just as crucial. His prompt communication and adept handling of the needs of nursing education majors as well as certificate applicants are vital. Brandon's commitment to creating a supportive and responsive environment greatly aids our future students' transition, aligning with the goals of our commitment to educational excellence.
Keysha Hall and Brandon Holmes
February 2024
I would like to nominate Keysha Hall and Brandon Holmes. Keysha's dedication is clearly demonstrated through her timely provision of essential data and consistent follow-through, which significantly boosts our program's efficiency and outcomes. Her proactive coordination ensures our operations run smoothly, setting a high standard for our team's performance.
In the admissions office, Brandon's contributions are just as crucial. His prompt communication and adept handling of the needs of nursing education majors as well as certificate applicants are vital. Brandon's commitment to creating a supportive and responsive environment greatly aids our future students' transition, aligning with the goals of our commitment to educational excellence.
Nominated by: Jennie De Gagne
I would like to nominate Carolyn Foshee for a Commitment to Excellence Award for her outstanding work tracking and doing quality control for several processes required for DUSON鈥檚 employees. These include annual and ongoing flu vaccination compliance, completion of required trainings and nursing licensure. Each of these processes requires extreme attention to detail and the ability to follow up with employees (and managers, if necessary) until the task has been completed. Carolyn does this work not only for staff and regular rank faculty but also for the more than 150 non-regular rank faculty who teach for the school each year. This is truly 鈥渉idden鈥 work which Carolyn performs with grace, patience and good humor.
Carolyn Foshee
February 2024
I would like to nominate Carolyn Foshee for a Commitment to Excellence Award for her outstanding work tracking and doing quality control for several processes required for DUSON鈥檚 employees. These include annual and ongoing flu vaccination compliance, completion of required trainings and nursing licensure. Each of these processes requires extreme attention to detail and the ability to follow up with employees (and managers, if necessary) until the task has been completed. Carolyn does this work not only for staff and regular rank faculty but also for the more than 150 non-regular rank faculty who teach for the school each year. This is truly 鈥渉idden鈥 work which Carolyn performs with grace, patience and good humor.
Nominated by: Debra Mattice
We would like to recognize Allender Lynch for her excellence in organizing and supporting the FGA retreat. She efficiently managed this daylong event with poise and professionalism, ensuring the event was well attended and successful. This was outside of her 鈥渘ormal鈥 duties, so we are especially thankful for the servant leadership and graceful kindness to work seamlessly with the team. She was a bright spot in welcoming all the faculty, ensuring the program remained timely and providing both set-up and breakdown for the event. It is such a joy to have a willing teammate and we are deeply appreciative. The Excellence coin is a small token of thank you for this remarkable contribution. Thank you, Allender!
Allender Lynch
February 2024
We would like to recognize Allender Lynch for her excellence in organizing and supporting the FGA retreat. She efficiently managed this daylong event with poise and professionalism, ensuring the event was well attended and successful. This was outside of her 鈥渘ormal鈥 duties, so we are especially thankful for the servant leadership and graceful kindness to work seamlessly with the team. She was a bright spot in welcoming all the faculty, ensuring the program remained timely and providing both set-up and breakdown for the event. It is such a joy to have a willing teammate and we are deeply appreciative. The Excellence coin is a small token of thank you for this remarkable contribution. Thank you, Allender!
Nominated by: Anne Derouin
I had a wonderful lunch with part of the CPO team (Cindy Luddy, Shannon Monroe, Gabby Houston, Monica Meza, and Stacy Swinney) today and want you to know how appreciative I am of their hard work! They are very dedicated! Many students choose 色戒直播 because 色戒直播 offers clinical placement services. Placements are getting more difficult now and the numbers are increasing. Many thanks to members of the CPO team for their service to our students and the school.
Cindy Luddy, Shannon Monroe, Gabby Houston, Monica Meza, and Stacy Swinney
February 2024
I had a wonderful lunch with part of the CPO team (Cindy Luddy, Shannon Monroe, Gabby Houston, Monica Meza, and Stacy Swinney) today and want you to know how appreciative I am of their hard work! They are very dedicated! Many students choose 色戒直播 because 色戒直播 offers clinical placement services. Placements are getting more difficult now and the numbers are increasing. Many thanks to members of the CPO team for their service to our students and the school.
Nominated by: Anne Derouin & Jamie Lord
I would like to nominate Raymond Brisson, staff within the CND, for his excellence in service to MSN students and 鈥榗an do鈥 attitude. Beyond the steady work of administering both planning, set up and full integration of many labs and simulations for the ABSN program each week, he participates in our MSN OCI events. He consistently does an excellent job, often starting at 7am in preparation for the day. Most recently, a shout out is deserved when a local new MSN student starting their Obgyn rotation requested lab time to come practice the pelvic exam. Raymond jumped in for another team member who was out, and took care of the set up and then facilitated card access for the weekend when the student could come in. It鈥檚 not just a job to him-he realized this was the student鈥檚 chance to improve skills and timing was important with the clinical hours already started. We thank him for his expertise, 鈥榗an do鈥 attitude, and willingness to help all learners and faculty (who are both his customers)!
Raymond Brisson
February 2024
I would like to nominate Raymond Brisson, staff within the CND, for his excellence in service to MSN students and 鈥榗an do鈥 attitude. Beyond the steady work of administering both planning, set up and full integration of many labs and simulations for the ABSN program each week, he participates in our MSN OCI events. He consistently does an excellent job, often starting at 7am in preparation for the day. Most recently, a shout out is deserved when a local new MSN student starting their Obgyn rotation requested lab time to come practice the pelvic exam. Raymond jumped in for another team member who was out, and took care of the set up and then facilitated card access for the weekend when the student could come in. It鈥檚 not just a job to him-he realized this was the student鈥檚 chance to improve skills and timing was important with the clinical hours already started. We thank him for his expertise, 鈥榗an do鈥 attitude, and willingness to help all learners and faculty (who are both his customers)!
Nominated by: Kathy Trotter
I鈥檇 like to request that Excellence Coins be awarded to Jennifer Lancaster, Sherry Nichols, and Angie Keith for their outstanding commitment to excellence during the various (and MANY) Critical budget discussions that have been held this week. All three of them came poised and prepared for meetings with the various units of Academics and kindly listened with attentiveness to the requests. It would have been easy to defer these meetings, simply say NO or disregard some of the requests, but at each and every meeting, they patiently sought understanding, offered explanations and clarity to the budget requests, and shared with transparency what funds were planned. They were welcoming, patient, respectful and warm to each faculty member. Since we have not completed the process in this same manner in the past, the opportunity was a huge welcome to faculty and built a sense of cohesiveness, shared decision making and collaboration. I am also grateful for the time and the opportunity to lean into the process with the finance team. This is the sort of 鈥淭ogetherness鈥 that the Dean has been suggesting for our community for the future, and the three of these wonderful professionals truly demonstrated this commitment to excellence and mission of our school in each of the meetings I attended. I want to applaud the efficient effort and the example of excellence demonstrated this week by your team. I know they were 鈥渏ust doing their job鈥 but in reality, they went above and beyond by patiently listening, learning, sharing insight and rationales on the budget items and offered each unit the opportunity to advocate for their needs in a respectful and welcoming manner. It was really a powerful opportunity to build community.
Jennifer Lancaster, Sherry Nichols, and Angie Keith
January 2024
I鈥檇 like to request that Excellence Coins be awarded to Jennifer Lancaster, Sherry Nichols, and Angie Keith for their outstanding commitment to excellence during the various (and MANY) Critical budget discussions that have been held this week.
All three of them came poised and prepared for meetings with the various units of Academics and kindly listened with attentiveness to the requests. It would have been easy to defer these meetings, simply say NO or disregard some of the requests, but at each and every meeting, they patiently sought understanding, offered explanations and clarity to the budget requests, and shared with transparency what funds were planned. They were welcoming, patient, respectful and warm to each faculty member. Since we have not completed the process in this same manner in the past, the opportunity was a huge welcome to faculty and built a sense of cohesiveness, shared decision making and collaboration. I am also grateful for the time and the opportunity to lean into the process with the finance team. This is the sort of 鈥淭ogetherness鈥 that the Dean has been suggesting for our community for the future, and the three of these wonderful professionals truly demonstrated this commitment to excellence and mission of our school in each of the meetings I attended.
I want to applaud the efficient effort and the example of excellence demonstrated this week by your team. I know they were 鈥渏ust doing their job鈥 but in reality, they went above and beyond by patiently listening, learning, sharing insight and rationales on the budget items and offered each unit the opportunity to advocate for their needs in a respectful and welcoming manner. It was really a powerful opportunity to build community.Nominated by: Anne Derouin
This week, Eric Bloomer was a hero for a DUSON faculty and student. He responded very promptly to a student issue with bandwidth on an active, timed exam. He quickly diagnosed the problem and assisted the student to have full access to their exam. The outcome was a completed exam and a very thankful faculty member!! Eric does excellent work like this every day. I am so grateful for the Ed Tech team, and especially Eric鈥檚 dedication to the student experience.
Eric Bloomer
January 2024
This week, Eric Bloomer was a hero for a DUSON faculty and student. He responded very promptly to a student issue with bandwidth on an active, timed exam. He quickly diagnosed the problem and assisted the student to have full access to their exam. The outcome was a completed exam and a very thankful faculty member!! Eric does excellent work like this every day.
I am so grateful for the Ed Tech team, and especially Eric鈥檚 dedication to the student experience.
Nominated by: Callie Tennyson
I just wanted to reach out to you and acknowledge how seamless it has been to work with Tiffiany Parker in both the certification and licensure process. She friendly, personable, and very knowledgeable about certification and state-specific licensure processes. She is a highly effective communicator and, to be blunt, she gets stuff done. I feel like it is such a rarity in this world to work with someone who you can fully trust will do what you need them to in a timely manner and Tiffiany is gem. We are in an industry where exceptional performance isn鈥檛 going to get us huge raises, but I just wanted to acknowledge that she is very good at what she does, and it made what I needed to do a whole lot easier. At the very least, this may give one or the both of you easy language when you need to do an evaluation. ~Katherine Graap It is amazing that we continue to serve the DUSON community even after their time with us is done! I would love Tiffiany to be recognized for her strong commitment to excellence
Tiffiany Parker
January 2024
I just wanted to reach out to you and acknowledge how seamless it has been to work with Tiffiany Parker in both the certification and licensure process. She friendly, personable, and very knowledgeable about certification and state-specific licensure processes. She is a highly effective communicator and, to be blunt, she gets stuff done. I feel like it is such a rarity in this world to work with someone who you can fully trust will do what you need them to in a timely manner and Tiffiany is gem.
We are in an industry where exceptional performance isn鈥檛 going to get us huge raises, but I just wanted to acknowledge that she is very good at what she does, and it made what I needed to do a whole lot easier. At the very least, this may give one or the both of you easy language when you need to do an evaluation. ~Katherine Graap
It is amazing that we continue to serve the DUSON community even after their time with us is done! I would love Tiffiany to be recognized for her strong commitment to excellence
Nominated by: Benjamin Smallheer
I am nominating Melanie Allen for a Commitment to Excellence Award. Melanie serves as Administrative Support for DUSON鈥檚 Beta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. On Wednesday, November 1, 2023 we held our semi-annual Induction Ceremony to recognize and induct the newest members of the professional organization. Melanie was instrumental in preparing all aspects of this program. Before the day of the ceremony she scheduled the rooms, requested AV support and prepared slides for use at the ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, she ensured all necessary materials were ready to go 鈥 she bought flowers, readied the honor cords, name cards, and even steamed the table cloths and banners 鈥 above and beyond! The room looked great! She handled the Zoom connection with Rodney Bean, too. After the ceremony she documented a policy / procedure that we can refer to for upcoming ceremonies so that we consistently prepare and manage the details. Melanie always goes above and beyond and appears to be the most hard-working person in the building. She鈥檚 here, she鈥檚 there, she鈥檚 everywhere. We are so grateful that she is here for Sigma and that she is part of our team. Thank you, Melanie!
Melanie Allen
January 2024
I am nominating Melanie Allen for a Commitment to Excellence Award. Melanie serves as Administrative Support for DUSON鈥檚 Beta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. On Wednesday, November 1, 2023 we held our semi-annual Induction Ceremony to recognize and induct the newest members of the professional organization. Melanie was instrumental in preparing all aspects of this program. Before the day of the ceremony she scheduled the rooms, requested AV support and prepared slides for use at the ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, she ensured all necessary materials were ready to go 鈥 she bought flowers, readied the honor cords, name cards, and even steamed the table cloths and banners 鈥 above and beyond! The room looked great! She handled the Zoom connection with Rodney Bean, too. After the ceremony she documented a policy / procedure that we can refer to for upcoming ceremonies so that we consistently prepare and manage the details. Melanie always goes above and beyond and appears to be the most hard-working person in the building. She鈥檚 here, she鈥檚 there, she鈥檚 everywhere. We are so grateful that she is here for Sigma and that she is part of our team. Thank you, Melanie!
Nominated by: Deirdre Thornlow
I鈥檇 like to nominate the entire 鈥榝ront of house鈥 IT team: Taron Mattocks, Jajuan Garvin, and Maimunah Kokayi for the Commitment to Excellence Staff Recognition Program. They all have excellent personalities, jump at the chance to offer assistance, and are exceedingly professional in all that they do. They all have supported not only myself, but all in the Dean鈥 Suite on everything from Zoom best practices, virtual meeting management, software updates, hardware issues and troubleshooting.
Taron Mattocks, Jajuan Garvin, and Maimunah Kokayi
January 2024
I鈥檇 like to nominate the entire 鈥榝ront of house鈥 IT team: Taron Mattocks, Jajuan Garvin, and Maimunah Kokayi for the Commitment to Excellence Staff Recognition Program. They all have excellent personalities, jump at the chance to offer assistance, and are exceedingly professional in all that they do.
They all have supported not only myself, but all in the Dean鈥 Suite on everything from Zoom best practices, virtual meeting management, software updates, hardware issues and troubleshooting.
Nominated by: Seth Levkoff