Two University of West Georgia nursing professors, Shelly Crager and Dr. Kelly Dyar, were recently presented with the DAISY Foundation’s Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty.

The DAISY Award is presented to faculty who are not only dedicated to teaching their students but also exemplify compassionate care. This is something the Tanner Health System School of Nursing (THSSON) at UWG holds at high importance.

Crager explained she is deeply humbled to receive the DAISY Award but added she would not be where she is today without her coworkers. UWG nursing faculty gain support from each other to educate the students in the best way possible.

“Education is really a team effort,” said Crager. “I am only as effective as my peers. We work hard together to prepare students to enter the professional world of nursing.”

The DAISY Foundation was founded in part by Tena Barnes Carraher in memory of her husband, who was diagnosed with ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), a terminal illness. The nurses who cared for him had a positive impact and served as a much-needed support system for the family during his illness, hospitalization and ultimately, his death.

After he passed away, Carraher’s family wanted to do something to honor nurses and the valued work they do. They created the DAISY Award as a way to develop role models for those on a nursing path.

The DAISY Award is a reminder to all nursing faculty that the work they do matters. Carraher believes nurses have the ability to touch others in a positive way during difficult times and wants to reward nurses who excel at their job.

Crager was inspired by her nomination for the DAISY Award and wants to continue displaying its characteristics throughout her own work.

“The DAISY Award recognizes the contributions faculty make to ensure the future of nursing,” said Crager. “It is a commitment to the profession that I am not only training students to manage patient care but that I am also preparing them to deliver care that is competent and compassionate.”

Like Crager, Dyar was also honored and touched to have been nominated for the award.

“The nomination was from a student who described an encounter I recalled but never realized just what an impact it had on the student,” Dyar said. “It reminded me that sometimes the things we see as simple, typical interactions can have a lasting impact and impression on others.”

In addition, Dyar also credits her success with the colleagues she works with every day.

“I don’t see this award as much of an achievement but more of a challenge to continue to learn and grow as a caring nurse educator,” Dyar concluded. “Instead of being a pinnacle achievement, I see this as being a starting point that makes me want to work harder and learn even more.”