Sarah Downey, management assistant in the School of Nursing, received the 2025-2026 College of Health Sciences Staff Dedication to Excellence Award.
The efforts and knowledge of a dedicated staff member at the university can make the difference between something functioning smoothly and efficiently and it working poorly or not at all. The Staff Dedication to Excellence Award recognizes staff who perform their assigned jobs outstandingly and thereby make things work. The term “unsung hero” is often applied to them. This dedication may not receive wide recognition outside their own offices because their work is relatively specific to one area.
Downey works with the Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, assisting each student with their four clinical rotations, which is no easy feat and calls for an exceptional degree of organization, timeliness, responsiveness, and community outreach.
“Clinical placement can be daunting with many ever-changing factors out of student and staff control, but Sarah goes above and beyond for every student so they are equipped with clinical rotations that fit their needs and will make them a successful Nurse Practitioner,” Kayla Henry, academic advisor for the School of Nursing, said. “Students consistently praise Sarah and are a lifeline for them in both programs. When plans quickly change, Sarah is quick to jump into the situation with a variety of solutions and never strays from a challenge. She has worked continuously to help improve many processes within the programs, such as clinical compliance and doctor of nurse practitioner project hour documentation for accreditation purposes.”
“Sarah invests endless time and effort to ensure that every student receives the best possible clinical experience, often going above and beyond her role to meet their individual needs,” Nicole Legere, graduate clinical coordinator and clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing, said. “Her ability to stay organized, adaptable, and composed in the face of constant change sets her apart as a true professional. She consistently anticipates challenges, communicates effectively, and finds thoughtful solutions that benefit both students and faculty. Her commitment to student success is evident in the care and attention she gives to every placement, always striving to create positive, high-quality learning experiences.”