This faculty member has a long history of impact on the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing. Her background has prepared her to connect with students and faculty in ways others cannot, and she brings a genuine passion for service to the department and the profession. Her tireless commitment to nursing education deserves recognition.

She is constantly giving of her time and herself. From offering encouragement in the hallway when she notices someone is struggling, bringing a cup of coffee to someone proctoring an exam, helping with an Excel formula nobody else can figure out, to making sure students and faculty have the snacks they need to get through their worst days. She remembers people's favorite candies, what is happening in their personal lives, their birthdays, and their kids' names.

Her commitment to the school's curriculum and mission is remarkable. She has recently taken on an increased workload that includes overseeing much of the student discipline process, and she handles it with consistency and fairness, ensuring every student is treated equitably.

Everyone knows she is just a phone call away. She shows up when she is needed, often before anyone has to ask, and provides guidance on technical, educational, professional, and student issues without hesitation.

Her impact on the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing is, in my opinion, a legacy. You would be hard-pressed to find a healthcare organization in Southeast Texas that is not filled with people she had a direct hand in educating and guiding. Because of that, it is safe to say her influence extends well beyond the school and into the health of this entire community.