Nursing Professor At WCSU In Danbury Honored With State Regents Award

**News Release Submitted by Western Connecticut State University**

June 21, 2024

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) named 11 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) faculty members as recipients of 2023–24 Board of Regents Faculty Awards. The awards, which recognize CSCU faculty for excellence in teaching or research, are given to assistant and associate professors in tenure-track or tenured positions and adjunct faculty members. These faculty have distinguished themselves as outstanding teachers; are doing exceptional research, scholarly, and/or creative work in the classroom; and have established a track record of promoting instructional improvements for their departments.

Campus-based award categories include teaching, research, and scholarly excellence throughout the CSCU system of six institutions. Western Connecticut State University Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Eileen Campbell received a Campus-based Board of Regents Teaching Award for 2023-24.

Adjunct faculty also are recognized by a system-level award. In addition to two award recipients this year, three adjunct faculty were recognized for being nominated for the award. WCSU Adjunct Professor of Education & Educational Psychology Dr. Jeanette Moore was one of the three nominees for a Campus-based Board of Regents Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award. Campbell responded to news of her award. “I was deeply honored to be nominated for the Connecticut State University Regents Teaching Award by Dr. Monica Sousa,” she said. “Dr. Sousa and I have worked together since our time as students in the graduate nursing program at WCSU and have been colleagues in the Nursing department for many years. Our collaborative efforts have extended across numerous courses, where we have jointly pursued initiatives aimed at enhancing student success within the Nursing program.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the letters of support from my colleagues, Dr. Kim Bridges and Dr. Teri Puckhaber,” Campbell continued. “The four of us have team-taught Nursing courses and conducted research that aims to help our students. My colleagues in the Nursing department have supported and encouraged me to implement innovative teaching strategies. They are always generous with their time and consistently provide constructive feedback on the results of introducing more student-centered learning modalities such as the flipped classroom.”

Campbell added, “I was profoundly grateful to receive a letter of support from Dr. Lupinacci, the chair of the Nursing Department. Dr. Lupinacci and I have worked closely for many years from my early days as an adjunct clinical instructor through my time as Undergraduate Coordinator for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Dr. Lupinacci and School of Professional Studies Dean Dr. Joan Palladino supported and encouraged me to teach new courses across the curriculum in our Baccalaureate program, the Graduate program and in both of our doctoral programs.”

Concluding her comments, Campbell said, “The nomination for the award alone was an honor, and the subsequent receipt of the award was a meaningful experience, reflective of the steadfast support of my colleagues toward my work with students. Although I engage in research outside of the classroom, my primary area of scholarship is in the classroom working with students. I love the work and scholarship of teaching and I especially enjoy doing this work at WCSU where I am supported and encouraged to continually engage in teaching learning activities that are meaningful to our students.”

In announcing the awards, CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng said, “CSCU faculty’s dedication and commitment to the success and betterment of our students is unmatched. This year’s award recipients have made incredible contributions to our institutions and academic disciplines and have made a lasting impact on our students’ lives. I congratulate each of the recipients on this well-deserved recognition and wish them continued success as they serve as leaders in and out of the classroom.”

Regent Ira Bloom, who chairs the BOR’s Academic and Student Affairs committee, added, “Each of these faculty members works tirelessly to bring out the best in their students and they continue to raise the bar in their respective disciplines. Our institutions continue to offer an affordable, high-quality education because of the outstanding work our faculty members are doing at both the campus- and system-level. Because of their work and dedication, our colleges and universities continue to reach new heights and milestones.”