Recipients of the Dr. Peg E. Daw Nurse Faculty Annual Recognition Awards Collectively Awarded $60,000 in Grants

BOWIE, Md. - Bowie State University's Department of Nursing faculty and staff have earned six Dr. Peg E. Daw Nurse Faculty Annual Recognition (NFAR) Awards. Each award provides $10,000 to the recipients' institution to support professional development and contributions to nursing education.

"I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff for earning these prestigious statewide recognitions," said Dr. Cheryl Blackman, dean of the College of Professional Studies. "Having six members of our nursing programs honored through the NFAR awards reflects their exceptional talent, dedication and impact in preparing future healthcare professionals, advancing innovation in nursing education and strengthening health equity and patient care in our communities."

The NFAR awards are administered by the Nurse Support Program II, a unit of the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and are funded through the Health Services Cost Review Commission. The initiative is designed to strengthen nursing education and expand the state's nursing workforce.

The program recognizes six areas of excellence in education demonstrated by faculty or other education positions in Maryland nursing programs. These Bowie State faculty and staff were recognized in the following categories:

• Dr. Tabita Rigsby-Robinson, RN for contributions to nursing education
• Dr. Wendy Post, RN for excellence in teaching
• Evelyn Khandagale, RN for engagement in the nursing program and employing institution
• Lori Buckley, RN for impact on students
• Dr. Paula Sutton, RN for fostering diversity
• Allison Griffith, RN for innovation in education and technology

Bowie State University's Department of Nursing prepares students to address workforce needs and advance health equity through high-quality education and training. Visit our website for more information on undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at Bowie State.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the Research College and University designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State University offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311