The last several months of the 2016-2017 school year have been rewarding for Deborah Casida, MSN, R.N., an assistant professor for the School of Nursing in Amarillo.

Casida, who is also the Amarillo site coordinator for the Second Degree Nursing and Veteran to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VBSN) programs, received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the TTUHSC Student Government Association (SGA) for her efforts related to the Second Degree program. She received the same award following the 2015-2016 school year for her work with the VBSN program.

SGA award recipients are selected by students, something Casida said makes the award especially gratifying.

“I am honored that the students think so very highly of me and I have received this amazing award for the second year in a row,” Casida said. “I am honored and thrilled that the students took time out of their schedules to think of me and vote for me.”

Casida was also recognized as a member of the nursing team that received an SGA Team Teaching Award for its work in developing the VBSN track. Other team members include Deborah Sikes, DNP, R.N., CNE; Patricia Frances-Johnson, DNP, R.N., CNE; Melinda Mitchell-Jones, MSN, J.D., R.N.; and Laura Opton, DHSc, R.N., CNE.

“I work with an incredible group of women and I have learned a ton from each of them,” Casida said. “It is because of their leadership, team building and their mentoring and support of me that I am able to receive such an award. The credit is to these incredible women and I am thankful that they have considered me as part of their team.”

In addition to her recognition at TTUHSC, the Bowie Middle School Junior Achievers named Casida their Volunteer of the Year. Casida said she has met with the group of seventh graders for the past three years to teach them about the college and financial responsibilities. She said she enjoys spending time with the students because they are so eager to learn.

“These children do not have much, so talking with them and teaching them the many possibilities that come with gaining a college degree and a career has blessed me in so many ways,” Casida added. “I keep my crystal candy dish on my desk as a reminder of those students. I am in awe that I could even be considered, and to receive these awards is all by the grace of God.”