2024 School of Nursing Alumni Association Awards Program
October 18, 2024
School of Nursing Alumni Association 2024 Awards Program
Welcome
School of Nursing Alumni Association Business Meeting
Tamu Abreu, PhD, MSN, RN-BC, CPPS, CPHQ
Class of 2014
President, School of Nursing Alumni Association and Board of Directors
School of Nursing Update
Deborah J. Jones, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN
Sr. Vice President and Dean, School of Nursing
Chief Integration Officer, UTMB
Jacquelyn Svoboda, DNP, APRN, WHNP-C
Director of Educational Innovations and Associate Professor
School of Nursing
Recognition of School of Nursing Alumni
School of Nursing Alumni Association Awards Presentation
School of Nursing Alumni Association Student Leadership Award
The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award
Hall of Fame
School of Nursing Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award
Closing Remarks
Tamu Abreu, PhD, MSN, RN-BC, CPPS, CPHQ
Award Descriptions
School of Nursing Alumni Association Student Leadership Award
This award was established in 2018 to recognize students who have demonstrated leadership and contributed significantly to the School of Nursing through his/her efforts during the academic year. The award was created to recognize extraordinary students and encourage them to join and become active in the Alumni Association.
The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award
The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award honors graduates of a recognized program in nursing at UTMB, who have made outstanding contributions to health care in the UTMB System.
Dr. E. Burke Evans established this endowment as a lasting tribute to his grandmother and her namesake, his sister, Betty Lee Evans. Dr. Evans was a longtime faculty member at UTMB in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Rehabilitation.
Hall of Fame
The UTMB School of Nursing Alumni Association Hall of Fame honors alumni who have made significant contributions to nursing through commitment to excellence in patient care community service and nursing leadership.
School of Nursing Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award
The School of Nursing Distinguished Alumnus has made outstanding and widely recognized contributions to nursing in a leadership role. The recipient has made a significant impact on health care in addition to making significant contributions to the nursing profession in clinical practice, education, administration, or organizational work involving health care or innovation in health care delivery systems.
2024 Award Recipients
School of Nursing Alumni Association Student Leadership Award
Alexis J. Fischer, BSN
The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award
Jacqueline Meyer, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, CNE
Classes of 2011, 2015
J. Michael Leger, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, CNL
Classes of 1995, 2016
School of Nursing Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award
Janet G. Campbell, DNP, ANP-BC, ACNS, FAANP
Student Leadership Award
Alexis J. Fischer, BSN Class of 2024
Alexis J. Fischer was born and predominantly raised in the Clear Lake and Seabrook regions of Texas. With a passion for stories and art, she began her academic journey at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, and at the University of Houston Clear Lake, where she earned both a BA and an MA in Literature. Her decision to pursue nursing was inspired by several family members in the healthcare field, and it was further deepened by her personal experiences as a patient.
Initially accepted into the nursing program at UTMB in 2019, Ms. Fischer deferred her enrollment twice to receive treatment for recurrent lymphoma and to undergo a stem cell transplant. During her time at the School of Nursing, she was elected as a class representative for Pathophysiology and actively participated in the Peer Mentor program. In her third semester, while studying Population Health, she and a group of classmates volunteered as participants in Texas Oncology-
School of Nursing Alumni Association
Deke Slayton’s inaugural Celebrate Life Survivors 5k. She was honored with UTMB’s Community Service Award and the 2023 MD Anderson Adolescent & Young Adult Scholarship.
Currently, she is part of the Oncology & Transplant unit at Jennie Sealy Hospital through UTMB’s Nurse Residency Program. She aspires to further her education by becoming a Nurse Practitioner and eventually transitioning into nursing education. In her free time, Ms. Fischer enjoys reading and engaging in creative projects.
Ms. Fischer extends her heartfelt gratitude to the faculty at the School of Nursing and UTMB staff, particularly Dr. Mathers, Dr. Lea, Ms. Lela Lockett-Ware, and Mr. Jason Ziegler, for their support and encouragement.
The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award
Jacqueline Meyer, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, CNE
Classes of 2011, 2015
Dr. Jacqueline Meyer is a nursing program manager specializing in evidence-based practice at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Health System. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the UTMB School of Nursing and holds the position of Vice Chair of the Institutional Review Board.
Dr. Meyer earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Kinesiology from the University of Houston in 2009, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2011 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing in 2015, both from UTMB. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 2017, and is currently pursuing her Family Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Texas at Arlington, with an expected graduation in 2025.
Recently, Dr. Meyer completed her term on the Board of Commissioners for the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. She also served as the South Region Representative for the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) District 9. Currently Dr. Meyer serves as the treasurer for Sigma Theta Tau International Alpha Delta Chapter and treasurer for the Association for Women in Science. Dr. Meyer holds nationally recognized certifications in evidence-based practice, nursing education, nursing professional development, and emotional intelligence, and
School of Nursing Alumni Association
she is a certified TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer. She actively mentors UTMB interprofessional education (IPE) scholars and serves as a faculty mentor for the Sigma Theta Tau Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy (MCHNLA).
Dr. Meyer is involved in numerous nursing societies and professional organizations, including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the Graduate Nursing Student Academy, the Southern Nursing Research Society, the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, Sigma Theta Tau International (Alpha Delta Chapter), the University of Houston Alumni Association, and the UTMB School of Nursing Alumni Association, where she served as president from 2022 to 2024.
In addition to her professional commitments, Dr. Meyer serves her community on the executive committee for the Santa Fe Texas Education Foundation and is the Vice President of the PTA for the Santa Fe Texas Junior High School.
Dr. Meyer is a devoted wife to her husband, Jason, and her greatest joy and source of pride is being a mother to her three children: Julie, Jackson, and Jillian.
J. Michael Leger, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, CNL
Classes of 1995, 2016
Dr. John Michael Leger began his academic journey in 1993, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Lamar University in Beaumont. He furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1995, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio in 1999. In 2016, he completed his PhD in Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Dr. Leger launched his nursing career at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital (formerly Sisters of Charity) in Beaumont, TX, primarily working with adult patients on telemetry, medical/surgical units, and later in the Medical/Surgical ICU. He quickly moved into leadership roles, including positions in case management and as a charge nurse. In 2003, Dr. Leger became the Assistant Administrator/Director of Nursing at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital in Alice, TX, marking the beginning of his extensive 20+ year career in healthcare leadership. His roles have included Director of Quality Management/Patient Safety, Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President of Nursing, Regional Chief Nursing Officer, and Chief Executive Officer.
In 2015, Dr. Leger shifted his focus to education, joining the UTMB School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor in the graduate program, where his passion for teaching and scholarship flourished. His research and scholarship areas include process improvement, patient safety, higher education, and innovative care models, particularly for underserved populations. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018 and served as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Organizational Effectiveness and Evaluation. In 2022, he was promoted to Professor, serving as the Track Coordinator for the Executive Nurse Leader track. Most recently, he concurrently served as the
School of Nursing Alumni Association
inaugural interim Track Coordinator for the Nursing PhD program, successfully facilitating its transfer from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to the School of Nursing.
Since 2016, Dr. Leger has secured over $385,000 in grant funding for his research. His work has been presented at more than 30 national and international conferences and published in 10 professional peerreviewed journals. He has also served as a textbook reviewer, Editorial Review Group Chair for Doody’s Review Service, and editor for the 4th and 5th editions of the award-winning nursing leadership textbook Financial Management for Nurse Managers: Merging the Heart with the Dollar. His dedication to the profession extends to serving on several national and international boards and committees.
Dr. Leger’s contributions have been recognized by his peers, leaders, and students at UTMB. He held the UTMB School of Nursing’s John P. McGovern Chair in the Healing Practices of Nursing since 2020, was a nominee for the University of Texas Regents’ Outstanding Employee Award, and received the UTMB President’s Way to Go Award. Additionally, he was honored with the School of Nursing’s Mary V. Fenton Dean’s Faculty Award and was recognized by Texas Nurses’ Association District 9 in 2022 as one of its Outstanding Nurses. The UTMB School of Nursing Alumni Association has previously presented him with The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award. His students have twice recognized him with the Outstanding Faculty Award for the MSN Program, and in February 2023, the UTMB Academy of Master Teachers named him Faculty of the Month.
In June 2024, Dr. Leger was appointed Dean of Tarleton State University’s School of Nursing in Stephenville, TX. He assumed his role on July 1 and is responsible for strategic planning, faculty recruitment, and the development of new programs, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Janet G. Campbell, DNP, ANP-BC, ACNS, FAANP
Class of 1992
Dr. Campbell is a US Navy Veteran who has devoted the past 26 years of her federal career to serving and honoring veterans. Currently, she is a Board Certified Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) and served as the National Program Manager and Nurse Executive for Nurse Practitioner Workforce Development Residency Training Programs within the Office of Academic Affiliations at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Washington, DC. She recently retired leaving a legacy of extensive NP, military, and veteran healthcare experience.
Dr. Campbell holds a clinical faculty appointment at Duke University School of Nursing and has received several prestigious awards, including the VA Secretary’s Award for Excellence, recognition as a Duke/Johnson & Johnson Advanced Practice Nurse Leadership Fellow, and induction as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
A proud graduate of the UTMB School of Nursing, Dr. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nursing Education from the University of South Alabama, and another Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner studies, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on Nursing Administration at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences. Additionally, she holds postgraduate certificates from East Carolina
School of Nursing Alumni Association
University in Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist studies and from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health in Occupational Health Nursing.
As the national lead for the VA NP Training Programs, Dr. Campbell played a crucial role in developing national VA standards for NP education and practice. She successfully implemented and managed NP education programs to address national nursing workforce challenges and healthcare access issues. Her efforts included fostering collaborative relationships with national health professions education organizations, accreditation agencies, and academic institutions to enhance NP training and practice standards. Furthermore, she contributed to the establishment of new accreditation procedures for Nurse Practitioner Fellowship/Residency Programs approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in 2021.
Dr. Campbell has made significant contributions to the nursing profession through her clinical practice, commitment to nursing education, published works, administrative expertise, and innovation in healthcare delivery models. Her work has been shared at both local and national levels, advocating for positive changes aimed at achieving superior outcomes in Veteran care.
Dr. Campbell resides in Durham, NC, with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.
School of Nursing Alumni Association Award Recipients
School of Nursing Alumni Association
Student Leadership Award
Honoree
Class Year Award Year
Jill Bryant-Bova, DNP, BS, RN, LNCC, CPHQ, NE-BC 2016, 2023 2023
Clayton E. Collins, MSN, RN, CPN 2013, 2022, 2023 2022
Alexis Fischer, BSN 2024 2024
Sophia Hashemi, RN, BSN 2017 2018
Kayla M. Hirsch, RN, BSN 2021 2021
Lauryn Kainer, RN, BSN 2018 2019
Kerry M. Kennedy, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, ACHPN, VA-BC 2015, 2020 2020
Judson LaGrone, PhD, MSN, RN, CVRN-BC 2025 2023
Madison Lankford, RN, BSN 2017 2018
Alysa Meza, RN, BSN 2023 2023
Casey Schneider, RN, BSN 2017 2018
Hall of Fame
Honoree
Class Year Award Year
Safa’a A. Al-Arabi, PhD, MPH, MSN, CNL, RN 2003 2020
Helen M. Amundson, RN* 1953 2000
Peggy J. Armstrong, RN* 1955 1994
Natalie Bachynsky, PhD, FNP-C, APRN 1998, 2008 2023
Deven S. Barriault, MSN, RN, NPD-BC 1989, 2009 2014
* deceased
Hall of Fame, continued
Honoree
Betty J. Bell, BSN, MN 1964 2017
Joyce A. Bennion, RN 1965 2004
Lydia Biegert, RN* 1947 1997
Dana Bjarnason, PhD, RN, NE-BC 2008 2012
Patricia A. Blair, PhD, LLM, JD, MSN 1984, 2004 2006
Jerry N. Blaylock, RN, EdD* 1957 1994
Ruth F. Board, RN, PhD 1961 1998
Steven W. Branham, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, ENP-C, 1997 2020
FAANP, CCRN
Christell O. Bray, PhD 2005 2006
Brandon G. Bredimus, DNP, RN, CNML, NE-BC, CENP, 2006 2022
NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL, FNAP
Billye J. Brown, RN, EdD 1953 1992
Jill N. Bryant-Bova, DNP, BS, RN, LNCC, CPHQ, NE-BC 2016, 2023 2018
Janet G. Campbell, DNP, ANP-BC, ACNS 1992 2007
Susan E. Campbell, RN, BSN 1983 2010
Barbara D. Camune, RN, MSN, DrPH 1988 2004
Kleanthe C. Caruso, RN, MSN, CNAA, CCHP 1975, 1985 2001
Sheyanne Chan, DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS 2008 2017
Dorothy A. Chesley, PhD 1957 2001
Ruth E. Cole, RN, EdD* 1949 1994
Mary Alice Collerain* 1938 1992
School of Nursing Alumni Association Award Recipients
Hall of Fame, continued
Honoree
Elaine C. Cominsky, RN* 1945 1993
Ruth L. Constant, EdD, RN, BSN, MSN, CHCE, FHHC* 1966 2012
Andrea J. Conti, RN, MSN 1982, 1987 1994
Emily F. Cornett, RN, PhD* 1954 1993
Elizabeth G. Cryder, RN, MSN 1975, 1990 1992
Ernestine H. Cuellar, PhD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC 2006 2006
Tammy L. Cupit, PhD, RN-BC 2013 2017
Cheryl C. Day, RN, MSN, NEA-BC 1987, 1990, 1995 1998
Betty J. Douzar, RN, MSN 1994, 2010 2014
Mitzi I. Dreher, RN 1954 1993
Ellarene R. Duis-Sanders, RN, MSN, PhD 1984, 2002 2003
Helen L. Dulock, RN, PhD* 1963 1992
Allison P. Edwards, DrPH, MS, RN, CNE 1987 2020
Karethy A. Edwards, DrPH, ARNP, FNP-BC 1995 2016
Karen E. Elmore, DNP, RN, NE-BC 1968 2018
Mary V. Fenton, DrPH, RN, ANP, AHN-C, FAAN 1966 1995
Zora K. Fiedler, RN* 1924 1993
Lynne E. Fineout-Overholt, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN 1983 2008
Chloe S. Floyd, RN* 1943 1992
Christina R. Frias, RN 1959, 1962 2002
R. Laverne Gallman, PhD* 1949 1992
Adele Garcia, RN, BSN* 1956 1999
* deceased
Hall of Fame, continued
Honoree
Wilina I. Gatson, RN, BSN* 1960 1992
Janet C. Gilmore, MSN, RN, NE-BC 1970 2019
Dorothy F. Greene Jackson, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC 1980 2021
Margaret R. Grue, RN, MSN 2004, 2011 2016
Karen E. Hand, MSN, RN, CNS 1977, 1988 2013
Marcia G. Hanks, RN, MSN* 1995, 1997 2002
Mary Anne Hanley, PhD 2004 2006
Linda F. Herndon, RN 1963 2002
Lynn R. Herr, PhD, MSN, RN, PMHCNS-BC 1969 2019
Catherine S. Ivash, DNP, APRN, CNS, RN, BC-NPD 1994 2012
Lucille F. Jacobson, RN* 1938 1993
Virginia R. Jarratt, RN, PhD, FAAN* 1943 1992
Ruby L. Jensen, RN, MSN 1993, 2008 2001
Beth B. Jewett, RN 1975 1992
Janith Jones, RN* 1957 1993
Claire B. Jordan, RN, MSN* 1968 1992
Esperanza V. Joyce, EdD, CNS, RN 1975 2004
Elizabeth A. Knebel, RN, PhD 1957 1992
Sue S. Kosaka, RN* 1937 1997
Martha L. LaFoy, RN, BSN 1986 2002
J. Michael Leger, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, CNL 1995, 2016 2024
Cheryl A. Lehman, RN, MSN, PhD 1994, 2006 2000
* deceased
School of Nursing Alumni Association Award Recipients
Hall of Fame, continued
Honoree
Jane A. Leonard, RN, MSN 1988 1999
Aletta Z. Linares, EdD 1975 1997
Lora L. Lockhart, PhD, RN 1961 1995
Lois Malasanos, RN, PhD* 1948, 1986 1992
E. Ruth Marcott, RN, PhD* 1974 2000
David R. Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, CENP, NEA-BC 2003 2005
Darlene A. Martin, RN, PhD, FAAN 1966 2006
Susan W. McConnell, RN, MSN* 1996, 1998 2004
Charlotte A. McGuire, RN* 1967 1993
Bronislawa Michejenko, RN, MSN, GNP-BC 1983, 1991 2015
Jeanne M. Millhollin, RN* 1942 1997
Katherine J. Moore, RN, EdD 1961 2002
Mary L. Moore, PhD, MSN* 1959 1998
Rosalinda Morales, RN, MSN, PhD 1994, 1997, 2007 2006
Patricia V. Morgan, RN, MSN 1990, 1993 2008
Donna L. Morris, RN, DrPH, NBCR 1968 2021
Deborah J. Murphy, MSN, RN-BC 1985, 1989 2015
John S. Murray, PhD, RN, CPNP, CS, FAAN 1996 2009
Lila L. Muzik, RN, MSN, FNP 1995, 1999 2001
Kathleen A. Nash, RN, MSN, PhD 1991, 2003 2007
Carolyn S. Nelson-Becker, EdD, MSN, CNM (ret.) 1990 2019
Jennifer L. Nitschmann, RN, MSN, NE-BC 1982, 1987 2009 * deceased
Hall of Fame, continued
Honoree
Elizabeth A. Nutt, RN, MSN 1982, 1989 1997
Sandra K. Oliver, RN, PhD 1967 2002
Corinne M. Oppermann, RN, MSN 1982, 1987 1995
Jessica L. Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, 2001, 2002, 2011 2021 FAANP, FAAN
Erin Y. Perez, DNP, APRN, ANP-C, AGNP-C, ACHPN 2010, 2013, 2019 2016
Virginia A. Rahr, RN, EdD 1999 2001
Anna P. Rains, RN, MSN* 1958 1994
Elda Ramirez, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP 1993 2013
Nancy Jo Reedy, RN, CNM, MPH, FACNM 1970 2004
Jane E. Reinhart Gonzalez, MSN, RN, BC (ret.) 1969, 1984 2002
Bonnie L. Rickelman, EdD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, LMFT 1963 1992
Marian E. Rowe, RN, PhD 1956 1995
Susan D. Ruppert, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, ANP-BC, FCCM, 1995 2018 FNAP, FAANP, FAAN
Anita P. Satterly, RN* 1965 1996
Mary K. Smith, MScEd, RN-BC, FHIMSS 1963 2014
Briana B. Sowell, RN, MSN, CEN, TCRN 2004, 2010 2015
Caroline E. Stamps, RN, MPH 1954 1999
Paula A. Stangeland, PhD, BSN, RN, CRRN, NE-BC 2011 2014
Deborah B. Stephens, RN, BSN 1976 2003
Susanne H. Sullivan, RN, BSN 1967 1991
School of Nursing Alumni Association Award Recipients
Hall of Fame, continued
Honoree
Jacquelyn D. Svoboda, DNP, APRN, WHNP-C 1999 2022
Anita M. Taylor, BSN, MEd 1978 1996
Tangula L. Taylor, RN, BSN 2001 2008
Julia A. Thompson, PhD, RN 1987, 1991 2005
Margaret Rehm Traber, RN* 1928 1998
Poldi Tschirch, PhD, RN, CNE, HN-BC 1984, 1992 1997
Patricia M. Turpin, RN, PhD 1968 2008
Mary R. Uher, RN* 1959 1992
Linda J. Venzke, RN, MSN 1978, 1991 2003
Isabel F. Walsh, RN, MSN 1985, 1989 2002
Phyllis J. Waters, PhD, RN 2008 2013
Rebeka B. Watson Campbell, PhD, RN, CNE 2005, 2011 2016
Karen L. Weis, RN, MSN, PhD 1997 2009
Andrea M. West, PhD, MSN, BSN, MEd 1961 2011
Cynthia Weston, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CHSE, FAANP 1989 2023
Sara S. Wilson, RN, PhD 1967 2003
Lynda F. Woolbert, RN, MSN, CPNP 1988 2003
* deceased
School of Nursing Alumni Association President’s Award
Ruth Constant, RN, EdD, MSN, CHCE, FHHC* 1966 2012
Cheryl C. Day, RN, MSN, NEA-BC 1987, 1990, 1995 2023
Nancy Gilman, RN, MSW, MSNA 1974 2007
Susanne H. Sullivan, RN, BSN 1967 2005
School of Nursing Alumni Association
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Honoree
Claire Jordan Bell, RN, MSN* 1968 1988
Billye J. Brown, RN, EdD 1953 1982
Janet G. Campbell, DNP, ANP-BC, ACNS, FAANP 1992 2024
Kleanthe C. Caruso, RN, MSN, CNAA, CCHP 1975, 1985 2000
Dorothy A. Chesley, PhD 1957 2003
Mary Alice Collerain* 1938 1990
Ruth L. Constant, EdD, RN, BSN, MSN, CHCE, FHHC* 1966 2014
Elizabeth G. Cryder, RN, MSN 1975, 1990 1987
Ernestine H. Cuellar, PhD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC 2006 2019
Mitzi I. Dreher, RN 1954 2005
Ellarene R. Duis-Sanders, RN, MSN, PhD 1984, 2002 2018
Helen L. Dulock, RN, PhD* 1963 1992
Mary V. Fenton, DrPH, RN, ANP, AHN-C, FAAN 1966 1999
Lynne E. Fineout-Overholt, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN 1983 2009 * deceased
School of Nursing Alumni Association Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumnus Award, continued
Honoree
Chloe S. Floyd, RN* 1943 1986
R. Laverne Gallman, PhD* 1949 1984
Wilina I. Gatson, RN, BSN* 1960 1989
Karyn E. Holt, PhD, CNM, NCC 1980 2013
Virginia R. Jarratt, RN, PhD, FAAN* 1943 1976
Beth B. Jewett, RN 1975 1983
Esperanza V. Joyce, EdD, CNS, RN 1975 2006
Elizabeth A. Knebel, RN, PhD 1957 1978
Sue S. Kosaka, RN* 1937 1996
Lora L. Lockhart, PhD, RN 1961 2011
Lois Malasanos, RN, PhD* 1948, 1986 1985
David R. Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, CENP, NEA-BC 2003 2015
Darlene A. Martin, RN, PhD, FAAN 1966 2008
Mary L. Moore, PhD, MSN* 1959 1997
John S. Murray, PhD, RN, CPNP, CS, FAAN 1996 2010
Sandra K. Oliver, RN, PhD 1967 2001
Corinne M. Oppermann, RN, MSN 1982, 1987 2002
Jessica Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, 2001, 2002, 2011 2022 FAANP, FAAN
Anna P. Rains, RN, MSN* 1958 1993
Nancy Jo Reedy, RN, CNM, MPH, FACNM 1970 2021
Bonnie L. Rickelman, EdD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, LMFT 1963 1991 * deceased
Distinguished Alumnus Award, continued
Honoree
Marian E. Rowe, RN, PhD 1956 1994
Susan D. Ruppert, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, ANP-BC, FCCM, 1995 2023
FNAP, FAANP, FAAN
Anita P. Satterly, RN* 1965 1995
Caroline E. Stamps, RN, MPH 1954 1998
Paula A. Stangeland, PhD, BSN, RN, CRRN, NE-BC 2011 2016
Poldi Tschirch, PhD, RN, CNE, HN-BC 1984, 1992 2017
Mary R. Uher, RN* 1959 1977
Phyllis J. Waters, PhD, RN 2008 2020
Karen L. Weis, RN, MSN, PhD 1997 2012
The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award#
Honoree Class Year
Natalie E. Bachynsky, PhD, FNP-C, APRN 1998, 2009 2013
Mary J. Baer, RN, BSN, CPHQ 1990 2010
Deven S. Barriault, MSN, RN, NPD-BC 1989, 2009 2006
Sarah A. Breland, RN, BSN 2006 2003
Jill N. Bryant-Bova, DNP, BS, RN, LNCC, CPHQ, NE-BC 2016, 2023 2017
Stewart E. Campbell, RN, MSN 2014, 2018 2018
Kleanthe C. Caruso, RN, MSN 1975, 1985 2002
Paula R. Castonguay, RN, BSN 1981 2003
# Please note, no Betty Lee Evans Awards were given out in 2023.
* deceased
School of Nursing Alumni Association Award Recipients
The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award, continued
Honoree
Sheyanne Chan, DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS 2008 2015
Suzanne Couture, RN, MSN 1980, 1987 2010
Pamela M. (Cruz) Darrington, RN, MSN 2013, 2015 2016
Cheryl C. Day, RN, MSN, NEA-BC 1987, 1990, 1995 2011
Kathleen J. Denke, BSN, RN-BC, CNN 1992 2017
Brandy N. Fields, RN, BSN 2004 2002
Meredith A. Ford, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE 2015 2022
Debra A. Garcia, RN, BSN 1993 2004
Jennifer A. Higgs, RN, MSN, CEN 2004, 2010 2019
Catherine S. Ivash, DNP, APRN, CNS, RN, BC-NPD 1994 2021
Nancy A. Johnson, RN, BSN 1991 2004
Elizabeth S. Kinney, RN, MSN 2004, 2012 2003
Gail E. Kwarciany, RN, BSN 2002 2002
Kenia E. Latin, MSN, RN-BC, CPN, OCN, CNL 2001, 2015 2018
Kathy A. Lawrence, RN, MSN, BC* 1993, 1996 2008
J. Michael Leger, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, CNL 1996, 2016 2020
Diana L. Luna, BSN, RN 1980 2017
* deceased
The Betty Lee Evans Nursing Excellence Award, continued
Honoree
Charles A. Machner, RN, BSN, CCRN 1994 2012
Susan W. McConnell, RN, MSN*§ 1996, 1998 2009
Jacqueline Meyer, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, CNE 2011, 2015 2024
Lila L. Muzik, RN, MSN, FNP 1995, 1999 2005
Carolyn S. Nelson-Becker, EdD, MSN, CNM (ret.) 1990 2007
Judy L. Norris, RN, MSN 1980, 2009 2006
Barbara L. Parish, NP 2011, 2013 2014
Melissa T. Phillips, RN, BSN 2004 2003
Julian E. Quiceno Lopez, MSN, APRN, FNP-C 2016, 2020 2022
Jane E. Reinhart Gonzalez, MSN, RN, BC (ret.) 1969, 1984 2003
Dell E. Roach, MSN, RN, CNML 1986, 1992 2020
Jennifer C. Seelig, RN, BSN 2004 2003
Edwin H. Smith, Jr., RN, MSN 2013, 2016 2015
Paula A. Stangeland, PhD, BSN, RN, CRRN, NE-BC 2011 2020
Jacquelyn D. Svoboda, DNP, APRN, WHNP-C 1999 2019
Scott A. Woodby, RN, BSN, CCRN 1997 2012
School of Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors
Officers
Tamu Abreu, PhD, MSN, RN-BC, CPPS, CPHQ
President
Jacqueline Meyer, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, CNE
Immediate Past President
Board of Directors
Brandon “Kit” Bredimus, DNP, RN, CNML, NE-BC, CENP, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL, FNAP
Kathleen Denke, BSN, RN-BC, CNN
Allison P. Edwards, DrPH, MS, RN, CNE
Sarah E. Hibbs, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CNE
Nitha Mathew Joseph, PhD, RN, CNE
J. Michael Leger, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, CNL
Elizabeth J. Lopez, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Heather E. MacBeth–Estrada, MSN, ARPN-C
Joan E. McAlexander, MSN, CRNA
Carolyn S. Nelson-Becker, EdD, MSN, CNM (ret.)
Erin Y. Perez, DNP, APRN, ANP-C, AGNP-C, ACHPN
Nicole Robinson, DNP, APRN, NE-BC
School of Nursing Alumni Association Awards Committee
The School of Nursing Alumni Association would like to thank the Awards Committee members for their efforts in choosing this year’s award recipients.
School of Nursing Alumni Association Awards Committee
Jill Bryant-Bova, DNP, BS, RN, LNCC, CPHQ, NE-BC – Chair
Tamu Abreu, PhD, MSN, RN-BC, CPPS, CPHQ
Denise A. Voyles, MS, RN
effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of
program. If you notice an error, please contact (409) 772-5151 or email alumni@utmb.edu so that we can update our records. Thank you.