The University of New Mexico College of Nursing celebrates the achievements of its nursing graduates who are on the trajectory to achieving their goals and becoming valuable members of the healthcare community, locally and beyond. Some graduates demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovation in nursing education and scholarship and are honored with the Summer 2024 College of Nursing awards. These awards recognize the dedication and skill within the College, and its commitment to making a difference in the healthcare of New Mexico’s communities.
Congratulations to our 2024 recipients!
Nursing Leadership Award Recipients: Josephine Titus & Rinae Youngman
This award is presented to a graduating student from any nursing program who has cultivated leadership skills and exercises leadership qualities. The awardee involves themselves in the educational and professional sides of nursing by having a presence in department activities, professional organizations, and community committees.
"In 2021, I left Nigeria to pursue a degree in Nursing here at UNM and looking back, I think it is one of the best decisions I have ever made! My time at the College of Nursing has been very enlightening and I’m grateful to God and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. I’m excited for what the future holds." — Josephine Titus, Nursing Leadership Award Recipient
"Reflecting on my time at the College of Nursing, I am incredibly grateful for the faculty’s unwavering support and belief in me, especially when I had doubts about myself. This journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding and I owe my success and growth in leadership to their guidance. Receiving this award is a testament to their dedication and the invaluable lessons they have imparted to me and others through our nursing journey." — Rinae Youngman, Nursing Leadership Award Recipient
Pre-Licensure Academic Achievement Award Recipients: Kara Higa & Amari Haner
Students receive this award for their achievements and growth during their time as pre-licensure students. The student can be recognized for their leadership, commitment to inclusion, innovation, or integrity for their studies, peers, and patients.
"I am truly grateful for this recognition. My success would not be possible without the support of my peers, professors, and mentors inside and outside of the classroom. Thank you for your support." — Kara Higa, Pre-Licensure Academic Achievement Award Recipient
"During my time at the College of Nursing, being involved in amazing extracurriculars like the Student Nurses’ Association and Interprofessional Education Honors Program has helped me develop as a nursing professional. Receiving this award is an honor, and it inspires me to strive to positively impact the health of women and neonates as I begin my nursing career." — Amari Haner, Pre-Licensure Academic Achievement Award Recipient
RN to BSN Academic Achievement Award Recipient: Adam Segura
Students receive this award for their achievements during their time as RN-to-BSN students. The student can stand out for their leadership, commitment to inclusion, innovation or integrity for their studies.
"I’m grateful to have learned from the best. Next up: graduate school; I will become a PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) and continue working in addiction recovery and mental health." — Adam Segura RN-to-BSN Academic Achievement Award Recipient
Outstanding NMNEC Dual Degree Award Recipients: Chris Spotton & Candace Langsfeld
Students receive this award for their achievements during their time as New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC) Community College students. A student can stand out for their leadership, commitment to inclusion or innovation or integrity for their studies.
"My time in the CNM/UNM Dual-Degree Program was an incredible journey of learning and growth. I am grateful for the support and guidance of my family, peers, faculty. I'm excited for all of us to embark on new careers in nursing." — Chris Spotton Outstanding NMNEC Dual Degree Award Recipient
"I have found the NMNEC Dual Degree program challenging but immensely rewarding. I am well prepared for any challenges I may face in my nursing career. Thank you to administration faculty classmates who helped me reach my goals." — Candace Langsfeld Outstanding NMNEC Dual Degree Award Recipient
Robin Armell Memorial Award Recipient: Kaedan Yazzie
This award is given to students with exemplary character strong ability communication leadership.
"During my time at UNM College of Nursing proudly represented home community Navajo Nation plan give back community taking skills leadership clinical judgement learned through College American Indian Student Services Center Native American Health back home improve evidence-based practice overall health delivery rural Indigenous communities." — Kaedan Yazzie Robin Armell Memorial Award Recipient
Professional Graduate Academic Achievement Award Recipients: Micah Hadaway MSN Nursing Education Student
Students receive this award for achievements growth during time Master Science Doctor Practice student awarded leadership commitment inclusion innovation integrity studies peers patients.
"It is an honor receive award returning UNM after receiving bachelor’s degree 2008 unsuccessfully attempted master’s degree children small now older able complete degree thankful achieve dream higher education lesson never give up!" — Micah Hadaway BSN Professional Graduate Academic Achievement Award Recipient
The College committed excellence healthcare education practice research demand skilled compassionate nurses continues rise awards serve testament hard work talent within applications open https://hsc.unm.edu/nursing/programs/
