Nomination requests went to students, faculty, and staff. Melissa Hunter is an instructor to pre-licensure students and has a strong clinical nursing background. Several students put forth Dr. Hunter for the DAISY Award.

In the words of one student: "Dr. Hunter is a truly exceptional instructor, who exemplifies every one of the qualities listed for the nomination. She is enthusiastic about teaching, learning, and nursing, and constantly inspires us to jump into situations and learn as much as we can. She encourages diving head first into the action and soaking up as much knowledge as you can from every moment. She has high expectations that she makes sure we are able to meet by facilitating high levels of clinical competence and exposure to many different things in the clinical environment. She reflects the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in her interactions with students, staff, and patients. She is fair and unbiased and makes sure each learner is getting what they need to be successful. She has excellent interpersonal skills and models respectful and friendly behavior and collaborative working relationships with all nurses and staff on the floor, as well as with us. Dr. Hunter "makes nurses" by helping us take everything we've learned so far, and applying it at a higher level than ever before. She is a truly excellent teacher; she has high expectations of us, but if you don't know the answer she never makes you feel bad, and only makes sure you learn. I have grown leaps and bounds under her tutelage, and know I will make use of her wisdom in my nursing career."