Nursing Class of 2026 celebrated during pinning ceremony

May 11, 2026

The Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing celebrated the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class of 2026 during its annual Pinning Ceremony held May 7 at the Hobson Performance Center. The ceremony honored students as they prepared to transition from nursing education into professional practice while recognizing academic achievement, leadership, compassion and service throughout the program.

Dr. Pamela Edwards, chair and director of Nursing

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Pamela Edwards, chair and director of Nursing, and included an invocation from nursing candidate Kasey Calcutt and greetings from Wesley Rich ('01, '05), associate dean for Health Sciences. Guest speaker Dr. David Tillman, chair of the Public Health Program, encouraged graduates as they prepared to enter a profession centered on compassion, advocacy and lifelong service. Several student and faculty awards were also presented during the ceremony to recognize excellence in leadership, clinical care, advocacy, teaching and service. Award recipients are listed below.

Dr. David Tillman, chair of the Public Health Program

"The pinning ceremony represents far more than the completion of a degree," said Dr. Edwards. "It symbolizes the compassion, resilience, clinical excellence and servant leadership our graduates have developed throughout their journey at Campbell. We are incredibly proud of the nurses they have become and the impact they will make in the lives of patients, families and communities."

During the ceremony, Krystle Edge, assistant director of Nursing, explained the significance of the nursing pin, while Kathleen Jones, instructor of Nursing, led graduates in the Florence Nightingale Pledge. The ceremony concluded with a benediction delivered by nursing candidate Cooper Wilson.

Student Awards

Dr. Nancy Duffy Leadership Award

The Dr. Nancy Duffy Leadership Award recognizes a senior BSN student who demonstrates the qualities of a nurse leader through sound judgment, service and commitment to the common good.

Recipient: Cooper Wilson

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, with Cooper Wilson

Nursing Advocacy Award

The Nursing Advocacy Award honors a senior BSN student who demonstrates exceptional clinical reasoning and patient advocacy in complex healthcare situations while consistently prioritizing patient centered care.

Recipient: Madison Allen

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, with Madison Allen

DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students

The DAISY Award recognizes a nursing student who exemplifies compassionate, patient centered care and demonstrates extraordinary clinical skill, kindness and professionalism throughout clinical training.

Recipient: Parker Key

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, with Parker Key

Dr. Sandra Goins Nursing Duty, Honor, and Integrity Award

Named in honor of retired Colonel Sandra Goins, this award recognizes a student with military experience or family military connections who exemplifies leadership, integrity, service and excellence in nursing.

Recipient: Christopher Donovan

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, with Christopher Donovan

Allison Ann Baker Impact Award

Created in memory of former clinical instructor Allison Ann Baker, this award recognizes a graduating nursing student who demonstrates a passion for mental health nursing and exceptional ability to connect with and care for behavioral health patients.

Recipient: Abby Syster

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, with Abby Syster

Student Nurses Association Leadership Award

The Student Nurses Association Leadership Award honors a student leader who exemplifies the National Student Nurses Association ideals of leadership, professionalism, service and innovation while making a meaningful impact on peers and the nursing profession.

Recipient: Kasey Calcutt

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, with Kasey Calcutt

Clinical Instructor of the Year Award

Selected by senior nursing students, the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award recognizes a clinical instructor who demonstrates excellence in nursing education while inspiring, mentoring and shaping future nurses through compassionate teaching and support.

Recipient: Laurie Chapman

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, with Laurie Chapman

CPHS Excellence Awards

The School of Nursing also celebrated several recipients of College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Excellence Awards during the ceremony.

Student Organization of the Year

The Student Organization of the Year Award recognizes a student organization that demonstrates leadership, creativity, perseverance and meaningful contributions to campus life and the surrounding community.

Recipient: Student Nurses Association

Student Ambassador of the Year

The Student Ambassador of the Year Award honors a student ambassador who consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership, service and dedication while representing the University and supporting prospective students.

Recipient: Benjamin Ransom

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, with Benjamin Ransom holding plaques for the Student Organization of the Year and Student Ambassador of the Year.

CPHS Professor of the Year

The CPHS Professor of the Year Award recognizes a faculty member who has made a significant impact on students through exceptional teaching, mentorship and commitment to student success.

Recipient: Krystle Edge

Assistant director of Nursing, Krystle Edge, with Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd

Throughout the afternoon, faculty members reflected on the enduring legacies of former faculty members and mentors who helped shape the School of Nursing, while celebrating the accomplishments and bright futures of the Class of 2026 as they prepared to enter the nursing profession.

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