The students who nominated Alicia Nichols used words like compassionate, encouraging, inspiring, and faithful. Here are just a few that perfectly capture the heart of why she is so deserving of this award.

"Professor Nichols has gone above and beyond for me and my cohort. She has made nursing school a time to remember and made the hard days easier. She is an exceptional nurse, teacher, and Christian. Professor Nichols has prayed over our cohort during tough times, fun times, and given us the encouragement we needed on test days. She made the content manageable and easier to understand. I truly do not think I would have made it through nursing school as well without her."

"Professor Nichols has been an inspiration throughout my journey in nursing school. She told me something I will never forget when I was going through trials. She told me my worth isn't based on my grades or the trials I go through but in that I am a child of God. Even though I already knew that, hearing it from her and seeing the genuine faith she has in me to become a nurse made an imprint on my heart. She is an amazing professor who is changing lives at MBU."

"Throughout the duration of my time in this program, Professor Nichols has taught me how to see and care for patients past their diagnosis but instead to care for their mind, body, and spirit. She has taught me not only to be compassionate to my patients but to myself as well to ensure I am providing the highest quality of care at all times. At random times I hear the phrases 'kiss your brains' and 'you can do hard things' — it is the small things like this that I will always remember and have helped me to push through!" 

It’s clear that Alicia has left a lasting imprint on the lives and hearts of her students. She has not only taught them the skills of nursing but has shown them what it means to lead with grace, strength, and compassion.