Stacey
Graves
May 2026
Stacey
Graves
,
DNP, FNP-BC, CNEcl
Wilmington University
New Castle
,
DE
United States
Through innovative instruction, mentorship, and a supportive learning environment, Stacey inspires students to think critically and practice compassionately.
Dr. Stacey Graves has been a steady and calm presence in our nursing program. As Director, she has supported us, listened to us, and guided us through our accreditation reports and technology systems, as well as our individual programs. Her expertise and willingness to help students and faculty alike are commendable. Stacey is a wonderful example to nursing leaders. She deserves the Daisy Award for exceptional nurse educator. - Melanie Ayers
It is a privilege to nominate Stacey Graves for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators. Stacey is the embodiment of what it means to be a nurse leader, seamlessly blending high-level clinical expertise with a genuine, heart-led commitment to the success of her students and the growth of her colleagues.
Stacey doesn’t just teach nursing; she models the future of the profession. Her impact is felt across several key areas:
1. Elevating the Standard of Education
Stacey has a unique gift for taking complex clinical concepts and making them accessible and engaging. She consistently goes above and beyond to develop innovative learning tools, rather it be her lectures in Patho or creating her own Bates-like videos back in the day. She doesn’t settle for the status quo; she ensures that every student who leaves her "classroom" is prepared for the realities of modern healthcare with confidence and competence.
2. A Dedicated Mentor and Colleague
As a colleague, Stacey is an invaluable anchor. Despite her immense responsibilities, she always makes time to offer guidance, share resources, or provide a listening ear. She approaches collaboration with a "rising tide lifts all boats" mentality, fostering an environment where faculty feel supported and empowered. Her leadership is defined by humility, a sharp wit, and an unwavering reliability.
3. Advocacy for Holistic Excellence
What sets Stacey apart is her focus on the "whole" person. Whether she is advising a student through a difficult semester or supporting a peer through a complex project, she leads with empathy. She understands that to be a great nurse or educator, one must also be a well-supported human being. Her dedication to functional wellness and evidence-based practice isn't just a professional interest—it's a philosophy of care that she brings to every interaction.
4. Impact on the Future of Nursing
Through her roles as an Assistant Professor and Program Chair, Stacey is directly shaping the next generation of Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Her influence ensures that these future providers will enter the workforce with a deep understanding of both the science of medicine and the art of nursing. Stacey is the colleague everyone hopes to work with, and the educator every student deserves. She leads by example, teaches with passion, and supports her peers with a level of dedication that is truly extraordinary. For her relentless pursuit of academic excellence, her clinical brilliance, and her compassionate heart, Stacey Graves is most deserving of the DAISY Award
Stacey consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching, combining deep clinical knowledge with a genuine commitment to student success. Through innovative instruction, mentorship, and a supportive learning environment, Stacey inspires students to think critically and practice compassionately. Stacey's dedication to advancing nursing education and fostering professional growth makes her truly deserving of this nomination.
Dr. Graves never lost her zest for teaching, despite her move to a more leadership-centric role. She has always displayed significant enthusiasm for student learning and always shares in their joy when they have that "ah-ha!" moment. She also instills these values in me and my colleagues by always returning to the student-centered approach. She often asks how we can support students' learning and how any changes we make to programs will affect it. Her motivation is palpable when she is with students, and she is always so encouraging, especially in particularly difficult courses.
It is a privilege to nominate Stacey Graves for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators. Stacey is the embodiment of what it means to be a nurse leader, seamlessly blending high-level clinical expertise with a genuine, heart-led commitment to the success of her students and the growth of her colleagues.
Stacey doesn’t just teach nursing; she models the future of the profession. Her impact is felt across several key areas:
1. Elevating the Standard of Education
Stacey has a unique gift for taking complex clinical concepts and making them accessible and engaging. She consistently goes above and beyond to develop innovative learning tools, rather it be her lectures in Patho or creating her own Bates-like videos back in the day. She doesn’t settle for the status quo; she ensures that every student who leaves her "classroom" is prepared for the realities of modern healthcare with confidence and competence.
2. A Dedicated Mentor and Colleague
As a colleague, Stacey is an invaluable anchor. Despite her immense responsibilities, she always makes time to offer guidance, share resources, or provide a listening ear. She approaches collaboration with a "rising tide lifts all boats" mentality, fostering an environment where faculty feel supported and empowered. Her leadership is defined by humility, a sharp wit, and an unwavering reliability.
3. Advocacy for Holistic Excellence
What sets Stacey apart is her focus on the "whole" person. Whether she is advising a student through a difficult semester or supporting a peer through a complex project, she leads with empathy. She understands that to be a great nurse or educator, one must also be a well-supported human being. Her dedication to functional wellness and evidence-based practice isn't just a professional interest—it's a philosophy of care that she brings to every interaction.
4. Impact on the Future of Nursing
Through her roles as an Assistant Professor and Program Chair, Stacey is directly shaping the next generation of Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Her influence ensures that these future providers will enter the workforce with a deep understanding of both the science of medicine and the art of nursing. Stacey is the colleague everyone hopes to work with, and the educator every student deserves. She leads by example, teaches with passion, and supports her peers with a level of dedication that is truly extraordinary. For her relentless pursuit of academic excellence, her clinical brilliance, and her compassionate heart, Stacey Graves is most deserving of the DAISY Award
Stacey consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching, combining deep clinical knowledge with a genuine commitment to student success. Through innovative instruction, mentorship, and a supportive learning environment, Stacey inspires students to think critically and practice compassionately. Stacey's dedication to advancing nursing education and fostering professional growth makes her truly deserving of this nomination.
Dr. Graves never lost her zest for teaching, despite her move to a more leadership-centric role. She has always displayed significant enthusiasm for student learning and always shares in their joy when they have that "ah-ha!" moment. She also instills these values in me and my colleagues by always returning to the student-centered approach. She often asks how we can support students' learning and how any changes we make to programs will affect it. Her motivation is palpable when she is with students, and she is always so encouraging, especially in particularly difficult courses.