August 2026 Honoree
Sandra Lucci, PhD, RN, CNE, CMSRN
Dr. Sandra Lucci serves as an exceptional role model and mentor by demonstrating that nursing education extends beyond teaching course content—it requires compassion, advocacy, and genuine concern for students as individuals.
At the beginning of my DNP program, I was facing extraordinary personal challenges. My brother had just been given a terminal stage IV cancer diagnosis and was moving into my home so I could become his primary caregiver, all while I continued working full-time and teaching nursing. Although I was overwhelmed and questioning whether I could remain in the program, I did not ask for help. Dr. Lucci recognized that I was struggling and, without being prompted, contacted Student Services to ensure that someone reached out to support me. That single act of kindness changed the trajectory of my doctoral education. She modeled the same advocacy, compassion, and attentiveness that we strive to provide our patients, demonstrating that caring is not limited to the bedside but is equally important in educating and mentoring future nurses.
What inspired me most was her genuine investment in her students' success. During a doctoral course, she maintained high expectations while providing constructive feedback that motivated me to improve rather than become discouraged. Her encouragement helped me build confidence as a doctoral student and reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, and servant leadership.
As both a nurse leader and nurse educator, I will carry the lessons I learned from Dr. Lucci into my own teaching, mentoring, and leadership, striving to inspire others in the same way she inspired me.
At the beginning of my DNP program, I was facing extraordinary personal challenges. My brother had just been given a terminal stage IV cancer diagnosis and was moving into my home so I could become his primary caregiver, all while I continued working full-time and teaching nursing. Although I was overwhelmed and questioning whether I could remain in the program, I did not ask for help. Dr. Lucci recognized that I was struggling and, without being prompted, contacted Student Services to ensure that someone reached out to support me. That single act of kindness changed the trajectory of my doctoral education. She modeled the same advocacy, compassion, and attentiveness that we strive to provide our patients, demonstrating that caring is not limited to the bedside but is equally important in educating and mentoring future nurses.
What inspired me most was her genuine investment in her students' success. During a doctoral course, she maintained high expectations while providing constructive feedback that motivated me to improve rather than become discouraged. Her encouragement helped me build confidence as a doctoral student and reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, and servant leadership.
As both a nurse leader and nurse educator, I will carry the lessons I learned from Dr. Lucci into my own teaching, mentoring, and leadership, striving to inspire others in the same way she inspired me.
Thank you, Sandra, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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