Teaching is hard and takes a special person. The Dignity of the Human Person specifies that, “The measure of any institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.” Nicole Daugherty absolutely, hands down, enhances our institution by bringing enthusiasm, passion, and creativity to her instruction. She is also self-reflective, welcomes feedback, and is willing to adjust to bring the best instruction to her students. A growth-mindset attitude is what takes her from good to great!

Attributes that describe Nicole: Role Model, Great Teaching Skills, Collaborates, Demonstrates Leadership. I have been an Instructional Coach for many years, and it was immediately clear that Nicole stood out as a strong and innovative teacher. There are several areas where she truly excels.

First, let’s talk about Nicole’s teaching skills. Her classroom is anything but traditional. Students aren’t just sitting through lectures every day. Instead, they’re engaged in review games, participating/observing/reflecting on each other’s simulations, and exploring lessons that connect meaningfully with real-world contexts.

Nicole is always looking for new ways to enhance learning—she’s even planning to incorporate topic-specific podcasts next semester! She understands that not all students learn the same way and consistently uses multiple modalities to reach every learner.

Nicole is also a role model for both her students and her colleagues. Whether she realizes it or not, she is bringing fresh ideas and innovative instructional strategies to Saint Anthony. Her creativity and commitment are contagious, and her influence will undoubtedly spread as other faculty experience the value she brings to her teaching.

Leadership is another area where Nicole shines. She takes the initiative, recognizes what needs to be done, and follows through with thoughtfulness and precision, even when juggling a full plate. Her decisions are always guided by what’s best for her students.

Lastly, Nicole’s collaborative spirit sets her apart. From the beginning, she made it clear that she values working with others and isn’t afraid to ask questions or seek feedback. When Nicole has an idea, watch out! She will meet with whoever she needs to and do whatever it takes to turn her vision into a reality.

I truly appreciate everything Nicole brings to Saint Anthony College of Nursing.