University News

Thompson Earns IBHE Nurse Educator Fellowship Award

December 11, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - A Western Illinois University professor was recognized for her nursing education work.

Dr. Leesa Thompson was honored with a 2025 Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Nurse Educator Fellowship Award. The award comes with a $10,000 grant that will be used for professional development. One of Thompson's goals is to become a credentialed Certified Nurse Educator and develop a nursing course that focuses on the health of the LGBTQA population.

"I am sincerely grateful to have been selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 IBHE Nurse Fellowship Awards," Thompson said. "I intend to utilize this award to advance my professional development as an educator by pursuing the Certified Nurse Educator credential, improving the Mass Casualty Public Health Nursing Day at the WIU School of Nursing, and furthering my education through the development of a course focused on health issues related to the LGBTQIA+ population. My goal is to acquire essential research and intervention skills that will enhance my contributions as a nurse educator, ultimately benefiting both the institution and the future careers of our nursing students."

Dr. Patricia Eathington, WIU Director of Nursing, nominated Thompson for the award and was proud to see her earn this recognition.

"Dr. Thompson's outstanding contributions to nursing education, her commitment to student success and her innovative spirit make her a deserving candidate for the Illinois Nurse Fellowship Award," Eathington said. "I am confident that her continued work will have a lasting impact on both her students and the nursing profession."

To learn more about WIU's School of Nursing, visit wiu.edu/nursing.

Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing