A School of Excellence

TTUHSC School of Nursing Receives NLN Centers of Excellence Recognition

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• October 3, 2018

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing was named a National League for Nursing (NLN) Centers of Excellence. The NLN Centers of Excellence were formally recognized during the Honors Convocation in Chicago at the 2018 NLN Education Summit Sept. 14.
 
The TTUHSC School of Nursing was awarded the Enhancing Student Learning and Professional Development award. Clemson University, Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, The Ohio State University, Eastern Arizona College, George Washington School of Nursing, Phillips School of Nursing at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Purdue University Northwest, Saint Xavier University, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, University of Delaware, and Washtenaw Community College were other institutions awarded in this category.
 
“Congratulations to these exceptional institutions who compromise the 2018 class of NLN Centers of Excellence,” said NLN President G. Rumay Alexander, Ed.D., R.N. “The individuals behind this label, the faculty, deans and administrators deserve our deepest gratitude for creating and sustaining educational excellence in nursing. Centers of Excellence faculty and staff bear a responsibility to share their experience, knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of everyone in nursing education.”
 
TTUHSC School of Nursing Dean Michael Evans, Ph.D., R.N., said being an NLN Center of Educational Excellence has become a coveted distinction in schools of nursing across the country.
 
“I want to thank the team that championed these efforts including Dr. Amanda Veesart, Dr. Laura Opton, Dr. Jeff Watson and Dr. Alyce Ashcraft,” Evans said. “They worked with the guidance of Dr. Yondell Masten, who, along with Dr. Sharon Cannon and Dr. Sharon Decker, were the leaders in our first application effort four years ago. Congratulations and deep thanks to all of these leaders!”

Others recognized at this year's NLN include:

• Dr. Kyle Johnson received the Mary Ann Rizzolo Research Award 
• Dr. Alyce Ashcraft received the leadership excellence award for her leadership as president of the Texas League of Nursing
• Dr. Sharon Decker was honored at a presentation featuring her long leadership history and pioneering work in simulation

Every year, the NLN invites nursing schools to apply to become a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education Institution based on their ability to demonstrate in measurable terms sustained excellence in faculty development, nursing education research or student learning and professional development.