On May 14, the George Washington University School of Nursing community gathered to celebrate its faculty and staff and honor individuals who went above and beyond in their service of the institution and its students. The 2026 GW Nursing Excellence Awards recognized those whose dedication, innovation, and empathy drive the school’s mission forward.
Faculty Excellence: Innovators and Mentors
The faculty awards highlighted a deep commitment to pedagogy and personal growth. Dr. Adriana Glenn received the Civility Award, recognized as an "open-door" leader who skillfully guides difficult conversations toward constructive solutions. Her leadership models the professionalism and empathy essential for a humane workplace.
In the realm of undergraduate education, Dr. Whitney Shanley was honored with the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching award. Known for her creative "learning tricks," Dr. Shanley possesses a unique gift for translating complex clinical theory into actionable knowledge that students can recall in high-pressure settings. Similarly, Dr. Tarnisha Hemphill took home the Excellence in Graduate Teaching award for her innovative use of PlayPosit lectures and branching case scenarios to develop critical thinking in midwifery management.
Mentorship remained a cornerstone of the faculty honors. Dr. Billy Mullins received the Excellence in Undergraduate Student Mentorship award for his work in creating an inclusive environment for underrepresented groups and developing new courses focused on men’s health. At the graduate level, Drs. Cynthia Allen and Karen Whitt shared the mentorship honors. Dr. Whitt has been instrumental in integrating generative AI platforms to strengthen collaborative practice. Meanwhile, Dr. Allen, a nationally recognized expert in genetics and genomics, was praised for her individualized guidance through the most challenging stages of DNP projects.
Topping off the faculty leadership categories, Dr. Joyce Knestrick received the Excellence in Faculty Mentorship award. With over 35 years of service, Dr. Knestrick is a nationally recognized leader whose work has significantly elevated the role of nurse practitioners and improved access to care in rural populations.
Scholarship with Impact
The awards also spotlighted research that addresses urgent public health crises. Dr. Elizabeth Choma received the Excellence in Research & Scholarship award for her vital work on firearm violence in children. Despite a challenging funding environment, Dr. Choma has maintained sustained scholarly productivity and was selected as a Fellow in the 2026 University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention cohort.
Diversity and health equity were highlighted through Dr. Rashida Charles, winner of the Excellence in Teaching by a Part-Time Faculty award. A first-generation Haitian American, Dr. Charles centers her research and teaching on improving outcomes for minoritized populations.
In terms of institutional advancement, Dr. Patricia Deyo was honored with the Impact Award. Dr. Deyo led the challenging development of the DE MSN curriculum, navigating evolving AACN Essentials and Virginia Board of Nursing revisions with persistence and expertise.
The Staff Engine: Service and Support
The excellence of GW Nursing is equally dependent on its staff. The Civility Award was presented to Graham Macintosh, a vital member of the simulation team. Graham is known for his ability to reassure learners after difficult simulations, creating a safe space where students feel supported and capable.
Rebecca Morrow, Director of Student Services, received the Citizenship Award for her creative efforts in building community, such as innovative card-making activities and active promotion of student groups via social media. The Service Award was granted to Vivian Bowman, a simulation educator recognized for her leadership with the Student Nurses Association and the Phi Epsilon chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International.
The "behind-the-scenes" heroes were also celebrated. Brian Mishoe received the Unsung Hero Award for his technical expertise as simulation technician administrator. From resolving complex IT issues to creating realistic visual elements for immersive scenarios, Brian’s work ensures a seamless learning experience. Finally, Dr. David Mossinger received the staff Impact Award for his work in instructional technology, particularly for his webinars that introduce tools to streamline faculty workflows and enhance accessibility for learners.
A Final Honor: The DAISY Award
The ceremony concluded with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Educator, presented to Dr. Janet Radzykewycz. Dr. Radzykewycz exemplifies the caring and patience necessary for nursing education, grading over 125 care plans weekly while maintaining a safe, responsive space for students. During an unexpected clinical transition, she even advocated for students to ensure they received the necessary clinical experiences to maintain continuity in their learning. Her impact is felt in the growing confidence and clinical reasoning of every student she mentors.
These awards stand as a testament to the fact that excellence at GW Nursing is not found in a single classroom or project, but in the collective effort to foster a supportive, compassionate, and innovative academic community.