Shenandoah Nursing Faculty Member Wins State Education Award

Shenandoah University Assistant Professor and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program Director, Sharon Simon, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, received the 2023 Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) State Education Award at the VCNP Annual Conference, held March 22-25, in Roanoke, Virginia. 

“To be recognized during my organizational conference among my peers, who are all spectacular nurse practitioners, preceptors, and educators, was certainly humbling and such an honor,” Dr. Simon said. “But even just being nominated for an education award by a recent graduate is an incredible gift.”

The award honors a VCNP member “who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to nurse practitioners in the area of education and patient care. Nominees should demonstrate excellence and initiative in one or more of the following categories: teaching and scholarship, student preceptorship, research, patient involvement or community involvement,” according to information on the VCNP website. 

“Winning this award is a confirmation that the time, work, and investment that I put in for students’ learning experiences matters,” said Simon, who finds it awe-inspiring that students have connected with their own greatness, passion, and purpose in her classroom.

“I am grateful to be a part of students’ journeys. To make a difference through teaching is as impactful on me as it is for students, and the patients and communities that they will care for in the future,” she said. “I am blessed to work at an institution that prioritizes teaching excellence and innovation, enabling and empowering me to serve out my purpose.”