It is with deep admiration and sincere gratitude that I nominate Mrs. Jill Ray for the DAISY Award for Nurse Educator. As both a former student and now a colleague, I have had the unique privilege of witnessing the remarkable impact she has made on countless lives throughout her many years of dedicated service in nursing education. From the beginning of her career, Mrs. Jill Ray has fully embraced the mission, vision, and core values of Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), inspiring students and colleagues alike with her unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and compassion. Her passion for nursing education is nothing short of extraordinary. She brings a vibrant enthusiasm to the classroom and clinical setting, consistently facilitating quality learning experiences that engage and challenge students to grow into competent, compassionate professionals. Mrs. Jill Ray is a paragon of fairness and integrity. She treats every student with respect, patience, and impartiality, recognizing the unique backgrounds and experiences each learner brings to the table. Her relationships with colleagues and patients are similarly grounded in mutual respect and an unshakable ethical foundation. A true life-long learner, Mrs. Jill Ray continually seeks opportunities to expand her own knowledge and advance nursing practice. Whether integrating the latest evidence-based practices into her lectures or encouraging students to pursue research and innovation, she models an enduring commitment to personal and professional growth.

What truly sets Mrs. Jill Ray apart is her deep-rooted dedication to GGC beyond the classroom. She has served on numerous committees, mentored both new faculty and students, and taken on leadership roles that reflect her unwavering investment in the college community. Her mentorship has shaped generations of nurses, many of whom, like myself, have gone on to join the faculty or excel in the field, forever carrying the lessons she instilled in them. With profound expertise in nursing knowledge and skill, Mrs. Jill Ray has remained a pillar of clinical and academic excellence. Her contributions over the past four decades have left an indelible mark on the college, the profession, and the lives of those fortunate enough to learn from and work alongside her. For her lifetime of dedication, compassion, and extraordinary influence, Mrs. Jill Ray is more than deserving of the DAISY Award. She is a legend in every sense of the word.