Allyson is one of the best educators I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. She is always smiling and has a positive disposition. She strives to provide the best academic environment for her students by incorporating fun active learning strategies. She volunteers for countless division committees, showing how deeply she cares for this program, her colleagues, and her students. On a personal note, I could not have made it without her in the first few months I worked here because I had some professional development events that required me to travel and miss a few days of class. Allyson volunteered every time without question, so I wouldn’t have to worry about how my class would be covered. I’m sure I could share more stories about her if I had the opportunity to work more closely with her. We teach in different courses, so our contact is minimal; however, her dedication is evident. 

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Mrs. Smith is a PHENOMENAL instructor. There are countless words that I could say about her, but I will keep this short and sweet. She really cares about her students. She will stop whatever she is doing to make sure we understand and fix anything that her students need to succeed. I love her teaching style; she makes information easier to grasp, considering the many challenges that nursing brings. I would take her a thousand times again if I could. She is definitely an instructor that I will cherish and never forget! I pray that she prospers even more in life and that she continues to be the AMAZING, KIND HEARTED,  FUNNY, and LOVING person that she is! #TeamMrsSmithforever!!!!!

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I am honored to nominate Allyson Smith for the DAISY Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to nursing education and unwavering commitment to her students. She exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional nurse educator—passionate, innovative, and deeply invested in shaping the future of nursing.

Allyson Smith goes above and beyond to ensure her students receive the highest-quality education. She dedicates countless hours outside of her regular schedule to mentoring, guiding, and supporting her students, fostering an inspiring and nurturing learning environment. Her creativity in teaching methods keeps students engaged and ensures they not only understand the material but also develop critical thinking and clinical judgment skills essential for their careers. She often incorporates real-world scenarios, hands-on simulations, and interactive activities that make learning meaningful and memorable.

What makes Allyson Smith truly remarkable is her personal investment in her students' success—literally and figuratively. She frequently spends her own money to provide additional resources, whether it be balloons to teach about atherosclerosis, making models to teach complications of IV therapy, or innovative booklets on diabetes that the students keep with them to remind them about therapies and signs and symptoms of the disease. Her generosity and commitment do not go unnoticed by those she teaches, as they feel supported and empowered under her guidance. 

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Beyond the classroom, Allyson Smith is actively involved in nursing organizations, continuously advocating for the profession and staying updated with the latest advancements in nursing education. Her pursuit of excellence is evident in her achievement of the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification last month, a testament to her dedication to lifelong learning and her desire to serve her students at the highest level. By achieving this credential, she ensures that her teaching methods align with best practices and the evolving standards of nursing education.

Her impact extends far beyond the academic setting. She instills confidence, compassion, and professionalism in her students, shaping them into the kind of nurses who will provide exceptional care to their patients. She is not just an educator; she is a role model, an advocate, and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of learning from her.

Allyson Smith exhibits the hands and feet of Jesus as she goes on mission trips to Peru yearly with colleagues and students. She welcomes all into her home for special events, where we feel the love that she has for her family and all who enter her home. She always signs up for events at Baptist Health Sciences University to showcase to potential students what it is like to be a nurse and welcomes them as potential healthcare students. She is our cheerleader at work, because her energy causes us to never be sad once we see her smile and hear her voice. 

For these reasons and so many more, I wholeheartedly recommend Allyson Smith for the DAISY Award. Her dedication to nursing education, her selflessness, and her tireless efforts to uplift and empower her students make her truly deserving of this honor.

Education, research projects, authored books, and one-on-one sessions to help new graduates pass the NCLEX on the first, second, or even third try.