Duke University School of Nursing Celebrates Excellence with 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards

Duke University School of Nursing Celebrates Excellence with 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards 

Duke University School of Nursing proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Faculty & Staff Awards. The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of faculty and staff whose dedication continues to advance the school’s mission and strengthens our impact. 

Dean’s Distinguished Service Award

The school’s highest honor, recognizing an individual with a distinguished career and sustained, transformative contributions to the mission and impact of the School of Nursing.

• Marilyn Oermann

Dean’s Commitment to Excellence Award

Recognizes staff members who consistently deliver high-quality work, provide exceptional service, and make meaningful contributions to high-impact initiatives and process improvements.

• Eric Bloomer

• Jill Borland

• Corey Brown

• Brandon Holmes

• Lindsay Johnson

• Tina Johnson

DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty

Recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to teaching, mentorship, and shaping the future of nursing through compassionate and impactful education.

• Jill Brennan-Cook

Terry Valiga Excellence in Teaching and Innovation Award

Honors excellence and innovation in teaching, recognizing faculty who advance nursing education through creative and effective instructional approaches.

• Lisa Lewis

Terry Valiga Excellence in Teaching and Innovation Award Runner-Up

• Amie Koch

MSN Non Regular Rank Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award

Recognizes outstanding teaching contributions by non-regular rank faculty in the MSN program.

• Debbie Travers

Non Regular Rank Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award

Honors non-regular rank faculty who consistently demonstrate excellence across didactic, simulation, or clinical teaching environments.

• Gillian Jackson

Early Career Scientist Award

Recognizes an early-career researcher who shows strong potential to build a sustained and impactful program of nursing research.

• Hideyo Tsumura

Mid-Career Scientist Award

Honors a mid-career faculty member whose established research program significantly advances nursing science and practice.

• Hanzhang Xu

Clinical Faculty Practice Excellence Award

Recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding clinical expertise, leadership, and commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care.

• Kathy Trotter

Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award

Honors a faculty member who has demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching and made a significant impact on student learning and development.

• Stephanie Gedzyk-Nieman

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Excellence Award

Recognizes a faculty or staff member who exemplifies the school’s core values. 

• Michelle Webb

Frances Mauney Community and Collaboration Award

Recognizes a staff member who fosters collaboration and positively influences others across the school and broader Duke community.

• Nashonda Thomas

Staff Leadership Award

Honors a staff member who demonstrates exemplary leadership, initiative, and commitment to advancing the school’s mission and goals.

• Doreen Matters

Peer to Peer Award

Recognizes a staff member who fosters a supportive community and goes above and beyond to serve and uplift colleagues.

• Nicole Fleming

Outstanding Service to Students Award

A student-nominated award recognizing a staff member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to student support, growth, and success.

• Abby Carver