Nursing Faculty, Staff, and Students Earn 2026 Health Sciences Excellence Awards

WSU Health Sciences Excellence Awards
2026 Health Sciences Excellence Award recipients from the College of Nursing: Dr. Lois James, Christine Hayes, Tom McMeekin, and Emily Davies.

Several members of the Washington State University College of Nursing have been recognized with 2026 Health Sciences Excellence Awards, honoring their impact in teaching, research, service, and leadership across the WSU Spokane campus.

The annual awards highlight individuals who go beyond their core responsibilities to strengthen the university, support students, and improve health outcomes in the community.

This year’s College of Nursing honorees represent a wide range of contributions.

Faculty awards

  • Faculty Excellence in Interprofessional Education
    Christine Hayes, MN, BSN, Teaching Assistant Professor
  • Faculty Excellence in Research
    Lois James, PhD, Associate Professor and PhD Program Director
  • Faculty Excellence in Teaching
    Emily Davies, DNP, BSN, Teaching Assistant Professor, Center for Experiential Learning

Staff award

  • Staff Excellence
    Tom McMeekin, Simulation Technician, Center for Experiential Learning

Student leadership awards

  • Student Excellence in Leadership
    Angel Ikueze, BSN ‘26
    Katharine Yang, BSN ‘26

These awards reflect the strength of the College of Nursing across instruction, research, simulation, and student leadership. Faculty continue to shape learning through hands-on training and interprofessional collaboration. Staff support critical simulation experiences that prepare students for real-world care. Students are leading efforts that strengthen campus and community connections.

All recipients were honored at the Health Sciences Excellence Awards Celebration on April 29, 2026, at 5 p.m. on the WSU Spokane campus.