By Staff
Two University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing faculty and alumni, Deb Bowers, DNP, DMin, CRNP, FNP-C, and Candace Knight, PhD, RN, recently were recognized by the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF) of Alabama for their outstanding work in mentorship and community care.
Bowers, an Instructor of Nursing and a three-time graduate from the UAB School of Nursing, (BSN 1985, MSN 2013 and DNP 2017), was awarded the 2021 Outstanding Academic Mentor Award. She was nominated by 2020 ASF Fellow and mentee Tanya Nix.
“I first met Dr. Bowers almost two years ago when I sought her guidance on future career goals. Her encouragement led me to enroll in the DNP program and also the ASF. She has always had a positive attitude and I can count on her to be available to listen while offering encouragement and guidance,” Nix said.
The nomination and award were an honor, Bowers said, and she is grateful for her experience as a mentor.
“When I hear students comment on my work, it reminds me how fortunate I am to have had such amazing mentors at the UAB School of Nursing,” she said. “My first nursing mentor, when I was a student in the BSN program, was Ms. Judy Taylor. She took the time to invest in me as a new nurse, and I want to do the same for our students today. She modeled professionalism. Ms. Taylor showed me what it looked like to go the extra mile for patients and how to support new nurses in their journey to gain skills and confidence. She is still an inspiration for me. “
As Assistant Professor of Nursing and Director, Nurse Family Partnership of Central Alabama Knight, a two-time graduate of UABSON (RN 1997, PhD 2013) was awarded the 2021 Outstanding Community Site Mentor. Her mentee and 2020 Fellow Mayowa Otuada recognized Knight’s leadership in her nomination.
“She is a true leader who leads by example, and she always wears a smile even when things get tough,” Otuada said.
“It’s such a thrill to work with students who share my passion for work with vulnerable moms and babies and watching them grow into champions for the underserved,” Knight said. “It’s a privilege to get to share my work and prepare the next group of leaders in maternal child health.”
This news came as part of a recent announcement that also named Jefferson County Health Office Dr. Mark Wilson as the Humanitarian of the Year. All three individuals will be recognized at the organization’s annual Celebration of Service event alongside the 2020 Alabama Schweitzer Fellow class.
The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF) of Alabama is preparing the next generation of professionals who will serve and empower venerable people to live healthier lives and create healthier communities across Alabama. To date, 72 Alabama Fellows have contributed over 15,000 hours of service at a value of over $379,000.