Appreciation Awards recognize faculty and staff excellence

The School of Nursing’s annual Appreciation Awards celebrated staff, faculty, and partners on May 26, showcasing contributions that are advancing education, research, practice, and the School’s overall workplace culture.

"As we turn from centennial celebrations to our next chapter together, it’s critical that we pause and recognize the people who are carrying forward this work every day," said Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN.

The following faculty and staff members were honored with awards:

The Drs. Jeremy A. Klainer and Pamela York Klainer Endowed Dean's Discretionary Award in Nursing was presented to faculty members Caitlin Dreisbach, PhD, RN, and Jennifer Truax, MS, RNC-OB, C-EFM, for the study "Identifying Modifiable Patient-Centered Needs During High-Risk Antepartum Hospitalization and Early Postpartum." Their study will address a gap in research on the experiences of pregnant patients who remain hospitalized for extended durations, and shape the development of interventions to improve care delivery and mental health outcomes for high-risk antepartum populations.

The annual Mary Dombeck Community Engagement & Enrichment Award was presented to Lizzie Mournighan, administrative assistant to the Center for Excellence in Education, and Kristina Santory, MS, RN, CNEcl, CV-BC, CNRN, the School’s new Director of Enrichment and Engagement, for their work to support well-being, belonging, and engagement among employees and students.

Rachel Ngo-Oum, EdD, MNE, RN, was named the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Colleague, with nominators sharing their appreciation for her warmth, selflessness, leadership, and commitment to high-quality education and lifelong learning.

Clarissa Baston, MS, MBA, senior manager for Student Affairs, received the Outstanding Staff Colleague Award for her work to support coworkers, students, and partners, and her leadership in initiatives such as the Nursing Scholars and Career Pathways Training programs.

Jason DeVoe, MBA, director of business operations at the Center for Employee Wellness, was named Outstanding Staff Member of the Year. As a trusted colleague and collaborator, DeVoe has helped strengthen communication and feedback processes across the School, and has held a major role in expanding Employee Wellness’s impacts across the region.

Alison Henry, CRNA, DNP, MSN, and Aaron Acello, DNP, CRNA, received the Josephine Craytor Nursing Faculty Award, which supports professional development and research efforts led by exceptional nursing faculty. As director and assistant director of the school’s DNP Nurse Anesthesia program, they led a tireless effort to launch and seek accreditation for this new degree, maintaining high standards of safety, rigor, and patient-centered care. Their work to introduce a new pathway for advanced practice nurses reinforces the School’s commitment to meeting workforce needs across the region.

Assistant Professor Lauren Ghazal, PhD, FNP-BC, was named the Most Promising New Investigator, in recognition of her work to advance oncology nursing research. As a member of the Wilmot Cancer Instiute  and adolescent and young adult cancer survivorship research.

Assistant Professor Meredith Kells, PhD, RN, CPNP, FSAHM, was named this year’s Most Outstanding Scholarly Practitioner, in honor of her work to advance evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes and training for healthcare professionals. Her work as a researcher and pediatric nurse practitioner centers on the care of adolescents and young adults with eating disorders.

Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing Tara Serwetnyk, EdD, RN, FNAP, NPD-BC, received the Professional Advancement Award for her commitment to advancing the nursing profession through active engagement in local and broader professional communities. Nominators praised Serwetnyk for her work to implement best practices in teaching and learning. As director of the Center for Excellence in Education, Serwetnyk has helped the School stand out as a national leader in academic innovation.

The Dean’s Appreciation Award was presented to Director of Strategic Communications Nora Williamson and Event Planning Specialist Jodi Miller, for their leadership across several School initiatives, including its Centennial celebration, recruitment efforts, and the implementation of the University’s refreshed branding. The School communications team’s efforts across public relations, marketing, and events were recognized for advancing the School’s strategic goals and fostering a greater sense of belonging and community.