Recognition Awards

Nomination Process

Each year, the ACHNE Awards Committee seeks nominations for the following six awards, to be presented at the annual ACHNE conference. 

  1. Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Education
  2. Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Practice
  3. Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Research
  4. Outstanding Service to ACHNE
  5. Outstanding Masters Graduate Student in Community /Public Health Nursing
  6. Outstanding Doctoral Graduate Student in Community /Public Health Nursing
  7. Outstanding Baccalaureate Student in Community Health/Public Health

This is a wonderful way to honor ACHNE members and current students (who do not need to be a member) who are deserving of special recognition. The nomination process is simple.  Keep scrolling to view the Award Criteria (Or click here to download them).

Nominations are due by Saturday, April 1, 2024

Nomination Guidelines 

  1. Both the awards nominator and nominee must be current ACHNE members at the time of nomination for Member Awards. The nominee must have been a member of ACHNE for the previous 12 months. Current members of the Board of Directors are not eligible.
  2. Student nominees do not need to be a member of ACHNE.
  3. Place nominee’s name, a brief reason for the nomination, and nominee’s e-mail address in the survey. We will do the rest for the investigation of nominee information.

Click Here to Start the Nomination Process

Nominations are due by Saturday, April 1, 2024


ACHNE MEMBER Award Criteria

Open to ALL ACHNE Members.

Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Education

  1. Contribution to the development of curricula by innovative ideas, teaching methods, projects, programs, or application of theory/research.
  2. Outcome has contributed to change in education programs, curricula, or courses that have enhanced community/public health nursing education.
  3. Work has been disseminated for use by others.
  4. Recognized contributions to ACHNE.
  5. Current ACHNE member at the time of nomination. Nominees who are not current ACHNE members will not be considered.

Outstanding Contributions to Community Health/Public Health Nursing Practice

  1. Contribution to practice through the development of innovative ideas, interventions, program protocol, practice guides, or application of theory/research.
  2. Outcome has contributed to change in practice and/or improved community health of clients.
  3. Work has been disseminated for use by others.
  4. Recognized contributions to ACHNE.
  5. Current ACHNE member at the time of nomination. Nominees who are not current ACHNE members will not be considered.

Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Research

  1. Originality of contribution to the health of clients.
  2. Dissemination of research in relevant venues including peer-review journals and professional presentation.
  3. Contributions of research to knowledge in the field.
  4. Recognized contributions to ACHNE.
  5. Current ACHNE member.

Outstanding Service to ACHNE

  1. Demonstrated qualities of personal leadership.
  2. Substantial contributions to the association’s growth, recognition, and organizational effectiveness.
  3. Promotion of activities that advanced the goals of ACHNE.
  4. Current ACHNE member.

Click Here to Start the Nomination Process

Nominations are due by Saturday, April 1, 2024


Student Award Criteria

Open to all students sponsored by a current ACHNE member.

Outstanding Doctoral Graduate Student in Community /Public Health Nursing

  1. Original/creative paper, project, thesis, or dissertation with abstract or detailed including description and evidence of admission in a doctoral program.
  2. Nominee’s potential for affecting education, practice, and/or research.
  3. Does not need to be an ACHNE member.
  4. Potential for leadership in ACHNE.

Outstanding Masters Graduate Student in Community /Public Health Nursing

  1. Original/creative paper, project, thesis, or dissertation with abstract or detailed including description and evidence of admission in a master's program.
  2. Nominee’s potential for affecting education, practice, and/or research.
  3. Does not need to be an ACHNE member.
  4. Potential for leadership in ACHNE

Outstanding Baccalaureate Student in Community Health/Public Health

  1. Contribution to practice through the development of innovative ideas, interventions,or programming through educational, service, or work opportunities.
  2. Nominee’s potential for affecting practice and/or improving community health.
  3. Does not need to be an ACHNE member.
  4. Potential for leadership in community/public health nursing.

Click Here to Start the Nomination Process

Nominations are due by Saturday, April 1, 2024


Awards History

Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Education Award

2023 - Rebecca Davis, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC
2022 - Dr. Kim Decker
2021 - Dr. Gary Glauberman
2018 - Linda Hook
2017 - Jeanne Leffers
2016 - Patricia Schoon
2014 - Lori Edwards
2013 - Sara Groves
2012 - Pamela Levin
2006 - Sr. Rosemary Donley
2005 - Patty Hale
2004 - Judith A. Barton
2001 - Naomi E. Ervin
1999 - Cynthia O’Neill Conger
1998 - Julia Cowell
1994 - Mary-‘Vesta Marston Scott
1993 - Zina Higgs

Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Practice Award

2014 - Tener Goodwin Veenema
2012 - Margaret Kaiser
2006 - Joyce Krothe
2004 - Sharon G. Moffatt
1998 - Kathleen Barr Mazzuca
1993 - Margaret Clark Graham

Outstanding Contributions to Community/Public Health Nursing Research Award

2021 - Dr. Ann Stalter
2015 - Donna J. Biederman
2009 - Barbara Polivka
2005 - JoEllen Wilbur
2003 - Louise H. Flick
2001 - Arlene Miller
1999 - Marie Talashek
1998 - Carol Loveland–Cherry and Janice Swanson

Outstanding Graduate Student in the Field of Community/Public Health Nursing Award

2022 - Doctoral:  Hiba Abbas
2021 - Doctoral:  Katherine Fasullo
2017 - Doctoral:  Gail Hock
2017 - Masters:   Jocelyne de Gouvenain
2016 - Phillip A. Newman
2015 - Alexandra Maher and Irene C. Felsman
2014 - Angela Fulmer
2013 - Rebecca Doughty and Ayla Landry
2012 - Lynn Blanchette
2005 - Susan Breakwell
2003 - Annemarie Vassalo

Outstanding Service to ACHNE Award

2023 - Robin Dawson, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC
2021 - Dr. Gina Johnson
2019 - Dr. Ann Stalter
2018 - Gail Oneal
2013 - Susan M. Swider
2009 - Derryl Block
2007 - Pamela A. Kulbok
2003 - Pamela N. Clarke
2001 - Judeen Schulte
1998 - Shirley Laffrey
1996 - Bianca Chambers
1993 - Doreen Ward Alexander


Discretionary Awards

Past Presidents' Award for Exemplary Service and Leadership

2023 - Joy Hoffman, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC
2018 - Lisa Turner

President's Award for Outstanding Contributions to ACHNE

2021 - Dr. Lisa Turner
2019 - Agnes Burkhard

Advancing Health Equity 

2023 - Sarah Ailey, PhD, RN
2022 - Kelly Strickland
2022 - Marie Charles, EdD, MA, RN-BC, FNYAM

Advocacy for Public Health Nursing

2022 - Gina Alexander, PhD, MPH, MSN, RN