Dr. Stephanie Vaughn has been recognized as being an outstanding faculty member by both her colleagues and students. Her peers say: Not only is Dr. Stephanie Vaughn an excellent instructor, she is an excellent role model and mentor. Students comment that she is knowledgeable, approachable, straightforward, and dedicated to her students. Her dynamic teaching methods not only motivate her students but make them want to learn more. She shows that she truly cares for her students and is fair and unbiased with every student. As my mentor I have learned a great deal from Dr. Vaughn. She was instrumental in helping me become the instructor I am today. Her advice and support was greatly appreciated when I encountered a problem or needed advice on how to proceed with a situation. When I began my teaching career, there were times when I thought I could not continue. I thought maybe teaching was not for me. However, Dr. Vaughn had encouraging words for me. I valued her advice and support. Her students feel the same way about their research projects or in their classes that sometimes they cannot achieve. But with Dr. Vaughn’s support, guidance, and expertise they say “She makes me feel like I CAN DO IT!!" and they complete their projects, their classes and successfully graduate and become the best nurses they can be. Dr. Vaughn is actively involved in scholarship and service. She is principal investigator in a study examining the use of evidence-based Dysphagia Guidelines in an acute rehabilitation stetting in promoting optimal outcomes in persons with stroke, as well as several other studies. In addition, she is an active member of several rehabilitation professional organizations. She is a national board member, planning committee member, and sought after presenter at many of their conferences. Her interest in rehabilitation, especially with stroke patients, has led her to involvement with local community support groups and community education activities. I want to commend Dr. Vaughn for all that she does and for the many hats she wears. She is passionate in what she does and she does it well. A student’s perspective: This professor has been an amazing part of the nursing faculty, and continues to be a supportive and essential part of the nursing program. She is a very active member of the faculty and still finds the time to assist students in independent study projects every semester! Despite having a full schedule, she never makes any student feel rushed during appointments, and adapts her teaching to extract the most benefit. She encourages critical thinking, autonomy, and going the extra step in fulfilling my potential as a professional nurse. She has been an extremely supportive leader, and is a great example of what a nurse educator is.