Nursing Names the Year's Standouts

Kathryn Sridaromont, R.N., MSN, associate professor and interim department chair of the Traditional Undergraduate Program, was named the School of Nursing's Nurse of the Year. Collin Naugher, a graduate nursing student, was named the school’s Student Nurse of the Year.

“We are very proud of Kathryn and Collin for their accomplishments and for their long-term commitments to the nursing profession, nursing education and providing quality patient care,” said School of Nursing Dean Michael L. Evans, Ph.D., R.N.

Nurse of the Year

Sridaromont has served the School of Nursing as a faculty member, mentor, community connector and overall outstanding ambassador since 1981.

According to her colleagues, she continues to demonstrate an extraordinary love and dedication to nursing, pediatric patients, students and the School of Nursing in every aspect of her role.

During the time she has served as interim department chair of the Traditional Undergraduate Program, Sridarmont has shown tremendous leadership abilities, said co-worker Laura Thomas, R.N., MSN. She supports progression of the Traditional Program to include new teaching pedagogies and utilizing faculty in areas in which they have expertise.

“Kathy has dealt with numerous student and faculty issues she inherited with quiet confidence and has supported faculty in trying to provide the best education we can to our students,” Thomas said. “She is tenacious when dealing with matters that affect the Traditional Undergraduate Program ensuring faculty safety, wellness, and fairness.”

Student Nurse of the Year

Naugher was chosen as Student Nurse of the Year for his leadership in his senior class student body and his involvement in the Texas Nursing Students' Association (TNSA).

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by my faculty as the student nurse of the year,” Naugher said. “God has blessed me with the opportunity to study under our amazing nursing instructors. The only reason I am able to accept this award is because of the countless hours they spent sharing their knowledge and experiences with me. I truly value each instructor and would like to thank him or her for making me the person that I am today.”

Naugher was nominated by his peers as a class representative for the Undergraduate Department Advisory Council, said Ann Hagstrom, R.N., MSN, instructor in the Traditional Undergraduate Program. He regularly participated in the council during his junior and senior years, voicing concerns of his classmates in a respectful and organized manner.

“[Collin] has been an excellent role model for his fellow students,” Hagstrom said. “He communicates well with the faculty and strives to provide the best in patient-centered care.”

Naugher was also elected president of the local TNSA chapter, and has been actively involved in fundraising, mentoring new leaders and expanding membership, Sridarmont said. Naugher demonstrated advocacy and leadership for patient care with four resolutions adopted at the state level with consideration at the national level.

In addition, Naugher has been involved in community service efforts including the Ronald McDonald House, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and volunteering at early childhood learning centers throughout Lubbock.

Naugher currently works in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Covenant Health System as a nurse technician. Once he graduates, he will work full time as a graduate nurse in the PICU. Interestingly enough, Naugher works in the same hospital where he was born. He has worked in the PICU for more than two years, and looks forward to working there for many more.

“My passion for the field of pediatrics has grown stronger on my heart over the last two years of clinical experience,” Naugher said. “I plan to continue my education by returning to school to earn my master’s in nursing and a nurse practitioner license.”