By Laura Gasque
The National League for Nursing is recognizing the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing with its Peg E. Daw Certification Star Award in recognition of its leadership in nursing education and supporting nurse educator certification among its faculty.
“This prestigious award acknowledges the significant number of faculty in our School who are certified nurse educators,” said Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair Maria R. Shirey, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN. “We owe this accomplishment to the work of many, specifically Dr. Elizabeth Crooks who for years has led the certification exam review course for our School.”
The School first developed and implemented its Certified Nurse Educator program in 2016. Initially developed as a continuing education offering to support faculty interested in certification, the program has since grown into a comprehensive strategy that integrates the NLN Core Competencies for Academic Nurse Educators and certification process into its institutional culture. The program includes incorporation into faculty development and promotion plans, Best Practices in Nursing Education-CNE review, exam preparation resources and attainment recognition.
“Academic nursing practice requires a deep understanding of the nursing discipline,” said Assistant Professor and Director of UABSON Blazer Core Elizabeth Crooks, DNP, RN, CNE (DNP 2013). “The distinction of NLN Certified Nurse Educator means UAB School of Nursing faculty are formally and nationally recognized for their ability to innovate and use evidence-based teaching practices, and for possessing the foresight and skills to lead in a rapidly changing higher education landscape. It also demonstrates a faculty member’s expertise and their commitment to excellence in nursing education. It is exciting for me to see the School of Nursing receive this award during our 10th anniversary of supporting faculty in achieving CNE certification.”
Crooks said future plans include adding digital access to workshop materials and creating on-demand exam preparation resources for faculty, all leading to additional CNE certified faculty.
“The ultimate goal is to have all of our nurse educator faculty CNE certified,” she added.
The School will be recognized in September 2026 during the NLN Summit. The School also has received the inaugural NLN Program of Excellence for Research-Focused Doctoral Programs Award. This award honors exemplary Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing programs that have excelled in fostering environments that support nursing research, influence public health and prepare students to ethically address current priorities and emerging trends in nursing science. The School's PhD program is one of five doctoral programs in the nation to receive the recognition.