Dr. Thompson is a knowledgeable Nurse Practitioner, skilled professor, and fearless rural community leader. Dr. Thompson was there for all of us in the early days, when our biggest concern was the APA format for our discussion boards, and she has stuck with us through to the end. She has been a trusted mentor of mine, from emailing about assignments to spending a difficult residency week over Zoom to being my light through the treacherous process of my DNP project. Dr. Thompson has heard me cry and whine about the negative comments of small-town leaders. She has led me through my anxiety and been a trusted counselor during what I would consider the most challenging time of my career development.

My final project focused on a personal aspect of Dr. Thompson's career: The Health Department of South Barber County. When I decided to include the health department in my project, Dr. Thompson drove several hours to meet me and guide me through talking to and recruiting community leaders. It was also Dr. Thompson who took me to dinner to encourage and guide me toward being the best I could be and completing something I am very proud of. She was a steadfast supporter of my project and took a personal interest in me. There have been few in my life who have invested in me and stayed near during times of trouble, but it is those whom I take special note. Dr. Thompson will always have a special place in this profession and in our hearts. Her career has been exactly what I hope mine might be. She is a courageous leader in a demanding profession. She has made incredible strides in rural communities. She makes things better! That is why she deserves this award. I am incredibly grateful to have collaborated so closely with her during her last year here at Northwestern.