The annual James W. Colbert Lectureship and Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony brings the MUSC community together to celebrate excellence and recognize faculty whose work has made a lasting impact across the university. This year's event included recognition for three College of Nursing faculty members whose contributions continue to advance the nursing profession.

Dawn Terzulli, DNP, RN, PCCN, CHSE, received the Commitment to Excellence in Interprofessionalh Education and Collaborative Practice Award; Amy Williams, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, received the Population Health Award; and Teresa Kelechi, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FGSA, received the Distinguished Career Award.

"Nothing brings me greater pride than seeing the incredible work of our faculty recognized by their peers," said Cathy Durham, DNP, APRN, FNP, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing. "Drs. Dawn Terzulli, Amy Williams and Teresa Kelechi are exemplary nurse leaders whose passion, expertise and dedication continue to transform lives. These honors reflect the impact they make every day through their scholarship, service, teaching and leadership."

Advancing interprofessional education through simulation

For Dawn Terzulli, collaboration is at the heart of effective health care education. As director of simulation at the College of Nursing, she has helped create innovative learning experiences that prepare students and health care professionals to work together across disciplines, strengthening teamwork and supporting positive patient outcomes. Through simulation-based education, students build clinical skills, communication and confidence in realistic care settings before entering practice.

Reflecting on the award, Terzulli said, "This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the power of collaboration. Much of my work in simulation focuses on creating innovative learning experiences that bring professions together, and I am grateful to be part of a team, and an institution, that shares a commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals to provide safe, compassionate and team-based care."

Improving health outcomes through population health initiatives

Improving health outcomes requires looking beyond individual patient encounters and understanding the broader factors that influence well-being. Throughout her career Amy Williams has focused on helping children and families thrive through education, advocacy and community partnerships. Her work emphasizes addressing the social, environmental and systemic factors that influence health while expanding opportunities for children and families to achieve better outcomes.

"Population health is about seeing beyond a clinic visit and understanding the systems that shape a child's future. The greatest impact happens when we bring together healthcare, education, policy and community partners to create opportunities for children and families to thrive," said Williams.

A career dedicated to leadership and impact

Few careers leave a lasting impact across education, research and patient care. After nearly 40 years at MUSC, Teresa Kelechi, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FGSA, has done exactly that, helping advance nursing science while mentoring generations of health professionals. Her contributions have extended across research, education and service, helping shape the profession while improving care for patients and communities.

"Service is really just another word for showing up prepared, for patients, for students, for colleagues, for the institution, long after anyone required it of you," said Kelechi.

"One of the greatest privileges of being a faculty member is that we get to help someone else become more than they thought they could be. That, to me, is service."

These recognitions reflect the far-reaching influence of College of Nursing faculty. Each has dedicated their career to advancing the profession and improving the lives of others, leaving an impact that extends well beyond the college walls.

To learn more about faculty accomplishments and nursing education at MUSC College of Nursing, visit nursing.musc.edu.