Neeli was nominated by three separate students: 
1. Mrs. Kirkendall is the ideal example of the perfect nurse.  She is sincere, professional, caring, and intelligent; she has every quality a nurse should have.  She takes extra time to answer and explain any questions or concerns we may have- with both precision and sensitivity.  She is a wonderful professor and greatly deserves this award. 
2. Mrs. Kirkendall has exemplified the type of nurse that all students in the Accelerated BSN program strive to be. From the beginning, she has gained our respect by being open to discussing absolutely anything with us, whether it be related to nursing or something in our personal lives. Her door is always open, and she continuously lets us know that she is always available. Mrs. Kirkendall sticks up for her students; she holds us accountable while showing us respect. Personally, she has impacted my life in a major way by helping my boyfriend; he was planning to propose, and she checked my clinical schedule to make sure I would be free even when she wasn't my faculty, then wrote the kindest letter to both of us afterwards! No other teacher that I have ever had made the effort to truly be a part of her student's lives. There aren't enough words to describe how well she embodies the true picture of a nurse; she is positive, genuine, encouraging, patient, thoughtful, humble, and always makes you feel smarter and more confident whenever you leave a class that she teaches. She encourages us to dream bigger, to know that we can achieve anything we hope to one day be. Not only is she a role model for us in her personality and demeanor, she shows such a vast array of knowledge during simulations or clinical labs. She impresses us constantly with the amount of information she knows! Whenever we prepared for a simulation or check off and felt uncomfortable, she would take the time to go over skills with us and show us little tricks along the way to help us gain a better understanding and confidence. She is truly one of the best teachers I have ever had, and I know that she will continue to follow us as we graduate and move on to the next step in life. Mrs. Kirkendall will always embody the picture of a nurse for me, and I am so thankful that I have had the chance to have her as an instructor, role model, and friend.
3. I nominate Mrs. Kirkendall for the DAISY faculty award because she exhibits each trait that the award showcases. She is professional in demeanor at all times and her knowledge in clinical practice is evident. She inspired me to work harder and push myself to learn independently.  Mrs. Kirkendall is easily approachable and makes each person feel at ease, her professional demeanor still commands respects.  She taught us in Advanced Clinical Assessment to respect our patients and listen to them; treat each person as the most important client/patient.  She incorporated examples from her person clinical practice experiences to help teach us further.  When I think of nursing, I this of this quote - "they might not remember your name, but they'll always remember how you made them feel."  Mrs. Kirkendall made me feel like I could pursue my dreams of becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse, and she became a person that I look up to and respect greatly.  I looked forward to labs with Mrs. Kirkendall and would recommend any person to enroll in the UMMC nursing program knowing she is a faculty member there.   In my experience, there is a fine line between professional teacher behaviors and dictator.  One must make their students feel welcome and safe while learning.  That can be achieved while remaining professional and she is the perfect example.