Dr. Marguerite Lawrence, associate clinical professor, has been awarded the Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Educator Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.
from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.
Marguerite Lawrence, Sacred Heart University
“The Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Educator Award is deeply meaningful because it reflects the impact of my work on students and the profession,” said Lawrence.
Lawrence is the assistant program director for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program at Sacred Heart University.
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties was founded in 1974. It represents nearly all institutions in the United States that offer nurse practitioner programs.
Each year, it honors educators who go above and beyond in shaping the future of healthcare. The Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Educator Award is one of its most prestigious honors.
This national award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional teaching practices, develop strong curricula and have a true commitment to advancing the profession.
“The Online MSN FNP program provides me an opportunity to shape the next generation of nurse practitioners who are clinically competent, compassionate and prepared to lead in complex healthcare environments,” said Lawrence.
Her leadership and impact have not gone unnoticed within the university. Dr. Karen Daley, dean of the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN & Richard J.Henley College of Nursing (DHCON), said the recognition confirms the program’s exceptional status.
“When we hired Dr. Lawrence, we knew she was an experienced, talented nurse practitioner faculty member,” said Daley. “To have that recognition at a national level just affirms and confirms what we already knew about her.”
Lawrence’s approach to education is shaped by her extensive and diverse background. She has 20 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and brings that real-world experience into the classroom.
Daley described Lawrence as a unique educator who is compassionate, while setting high standards for students. According to Daley, Lawerence’s FNP students consistently achieve certification exam pass rates between 95% and 100%.
“That doesn’t happen by accident,” said Daley. “She is very careful to teach at the highest level, while also inspiring and motivating students.”
Lawrence gives credit to her students for growing as an educator.
“They have shown me the importance of meeting learners where they are,” said Lawrence. “Many balance significant personal and professional responsibilities, and their dedication is inspiring.”
Students in the DHCON echo that sentiment.
Sophomore Nicole Kleinhen, an honors nursing student, described the college as supportive and student-focused.
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing nursing program. They provide their students with endless amounts of support and guidance, which makes the experience so much easier to learn from,” said Kleinhen.
Beyond the classroom, Lawrence says the nursing profession itself has shaped her identity. Her work with underserved and migrant populations reinforces her commitment to nursing and people.
“Professionally and personally, nursing has strengthened my commitment to service, integrity and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” said Lawrence.
“The nursing professors are very attentive and dedicated to wanting students to succeed,” said Kleinhen.
Sacred Heart’s nursing program continues to gain national recognition; Lawrence’s award represents more than an individual achievement.
“It’s blending that toughness with inspiring and motivating students, I don’t know whether that comes from her military background or I suspect it’s just her wonderful personality, but she has a real wonderful way of calmly approaching situations, seeing all of the options, really making compassionate decisions with the students, and that’s what I ask of all of our faculty members here in the Davis and Henley College,” said Daley.
