By Pareasa Rahimi
The UAB School of Nursing stepped into a world of imagination on Friday, February 28, transforming its annual State of the School into a Disney‑themed celebration of achievement, teamwork and the magic that happens when people believe in a shared mission.
Faculty, staff and students arrived dressed as classic animated characters, sparking joy and setting the stage for a whimsical look back at the past year and a spirited glance toward the future of the School’s mission, vision and values.
A trivia game, scavenger hunt and costume contest captured the competitive spirit of the faculty and staff, who are known for their resilience and their ability to come together to achieve the School’s strategic goals. The day was not complete without a special appearance from FIDOS Facility Dogs, whose visits, organized by the School’s Office of Access and Engagement, have become especially appreciated by faculty, staff and students.
“The day was informative, inspiring and joyful,” said Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair Maria R. Shirey, PhD, MBA, MS, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN. “In keeping with our faculty and staff’s wishes for a themed State of the School event, the planning committee led by Director of Administrative and Strategic Projects Nevette Sample provided the opportunity to report on last year’s accomplishments and focus on discussing our plans for the future.”
And like any good storyline, the day was filled with standout moments and creative presentations marking “happily ever after” milestones. A highlight of the year’s accomplishments was the School’s rise in National Institutes of Health funding rankings, No. 1 in Alabama, No. 7 among public schools of nursing and No. 11 in the nation. With more than $8.8 million in NIH research funding in fiscal year 2025 and an annual total surpassing $18 million in grants, the School’s research enterprise continues to shine as brightly as a magic wand in motion.
Academic excellence also took the spotlight. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program held its strong national position at No. 13 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “America’s Best Colleges,” while continuing its streak as the No. 1 program in Alabama. Graduate programs sparkled, too—the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs maintained their consistently high rankings, with four specialty areas landing in the top 10 and the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Pathway at No. 19, making these the highest‑ranked in the state as well.
In true Disney spirit, where heroes are honored and legacies live on, the celebration also recognized the School’s treasured donors and friends who have left us. The family of the late Nancy Smith attended to help present the awards they created in her honor in 2016. Smith’s story remains an integral part of the School’s own narrative: beginning as a nursing associate in 1978, earning her Master of Science in Nursing in 1984 and later returning in 2008 to share her gifts with students as an instructor in the Simulation and Skills Labs.
The School’s Unsung Hero Award—given each year to a staff member whose selflessness, humility and quiet acts of service lift others up—took on an even more poignant meaning this year as it was renamed in honor of the late James Carr, who served as Project Administrator at the School. Much like so many steadfast characters who work behind the scenes, James brought a kind of everyday magic to the School. He passed away on December 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that shines brightly in the memories of all who knew him. During his nearly 10 years with the School, James was a cherished member of both the Facilities team and the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications, using his talents to ensure classrooms were ready for learning and technology ran seamlessly. His work touched every corner of the School’s academic mission and is a reminder that true heroes don’t always wear capes; sometimes they carry toolkits, warm smiles and a heart dedicated to helping others shine.
From celebrating accomplishments to honoring legacies, this year’s State of the School reminded attendees that when people come together—much like the beloved characters who inspired the day's theme—extraordinary things unfold. The event left the entire School of Nursing community inspired and energized for the chapters yet to be written.
View the full gallery of the award recipientsOpens an external link.
Nancy Smith Award for Excellence in Teaching
Assistant Professor and Co-Director, AMNP Pathway Kristin Ashley, PhD, RN, CNE (MSN 2015, PhD 2022)
Assistant Professor and Interim Director, Nurse Anesthesia Pathway Amy Yerdon, DNP, CRNA, CNE, CHSE, FAANA (MNA 2011)
Nancy Smith Award for Excellence in Learning
DNP Nurse Anesthesia Pathway student Khiry Smith, MSN, RN (MSN 2021)
Florence Nightingale Award for Scholarly Work
PhD candidate Hannah Kumarasamy, MSN, MPH, CNM, WHNP-BC
Daisy Foundation Extraordinary Nurse Educator Award
Assistant Professor and Interim Co-Director, BSN Pathway – Senior Level Tiffany Ervin, DNP, CRNP, ANP‐C, CNE (MSN 2011, DNP 2019)
Assistant Professor, Interim Director, MSN Nurse-Midwifery Pathway Clinical Education, and Co-Director, Women and Children Health Initiative Elizabeth Muñoz, DNP, CNM, FACNM
Assistant Professor and Interim Director, Nurse Anesthesia Pathway Amy Yerdon, DNP, CRNA, CNE, CHSE, FAANA (MNA 2011)
Daisy Foundation Extraordinary Nursing Student Award
BSN student Taylor Washington
MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner student Julie Mauldin, BSN, RN (BSN 2023)
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner student Yungpeng “Ray” Xia
Dual DNP-PhD Pathway student Leslie Pitts, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-AC, CDCES, AP-PEN (BSN 2006, MSN 2009)
Teaching Award for Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct Instructor Paula Midyette, MSN, RN, CCNS, CCRN-K, CNEcl, CDCES (BSN 1977, MSN 1980)
Teaching Award for Innovation in Didactic Instruction
Instructor Christopher Hickman, MSIS, BSE
Assistant Professor Adam Kinsaul, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, RNFA (MSN 2010, DNP 2022)
Assistant Professor and Co-Coordinator, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track Sabrina Kopf, DNP, CRNP, ACNP‐BC (BSN 2009, DNP 2017)
Assistant Professor and Academic Integrity Officer – MSN Somali Nguyen, DNP, CRNP, AGACNP‐BC (BSN 2010, MSN 2014, DNP 2019)
Teaching Award for Innovation in Clinical Instruction
Clinical Educator Camry Crowe
Clinical Educator Catherine Gentry
Clinical Educator John Di Giacomo
Instructor Natasha Workman Morris, DNP, CRNP, AGACNP-BC
RN Clinical Educator Nicole Ogle
Clinical Educator Tiffany Ross
Clinical Educator Lauren Strouss
Teaching Award in Innovation in Simulation Instruction
Assistant Professor and Simulation Coordinator Jennifer Ledlow, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNL, CNE, CHSE (BSN 2014, MSN 2016, PhD 2024)
Academic Nursing Early Career Teaching Award
Instructor Rachel Lowery, MSN, RN
Staff Award for “Knocking it Out of the Park”
Executive Assistant I Pam Kelley
Clinical Placement Manager Mina Momeni
Staff Award for Innovation and Creativity
Senior Instructional Design Specialist Bradley Carpenter
James Carr Unsung Hero Award
Program Director II AnnaLee Whitman
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Practice
Assistant Professor Bela Patel, DNP, CRNP, NP‐C (MSN 2014, DNP 2019)
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research Collaboration, Senior Researcher
Associate Professor Peng Li, PhD
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research Collaboration, Early Career Researcher
Assistant Professor Reed Bratches, PhD, MPH, MALS
Marisa Wilson Courage to Lead Award
HRP Manager Heather de la Piedra