Congratulations to the students in our baccalaureate nursing program who earned a place on the Spring 2026 Honor Roll. These students achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while maintaining full‑time status in a challenging nursing curriculum.

Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence reflect the high standards of Research College of Nursing. We are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements.

March 19, 2026 – Research College of Nursing (RCoN) is proud to celebrate its distinguished faculty members recognized in the 2026 Nursing Faculty Development Awards presented by The Research Foundation. This year’s honorees reflect RCoN’s ongoing commitment to teaching excellence, scholarly advancement, leadership, and investment in the future of nursing education.

The annual awards highlight educators who advance academic quality, support student success, and contribute meaningfully to nursing practice and community impact across the Kansas City area.

Excellence in Teaching: Margaret Bjelica, DNP, ACNS-BC, CRRN

Dr. Margaret Bjelica was honored with the Teaching Excellence Award, recognizing her outstanding ability to create a supportive, effective, and engaging learning environment. Her contributions continue to strengthen the academic climate at Research College of Nursing and inspire future nurses to excel in both clinical practice and compassionate care.

Scholarly Achievement: Nicole Kreimer, DNP, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC

Dr. Nicole Kreimer received the Scholarly Achievement Award for her ongoing leadership in advancing nursing research, academic scholarship, and professional practice. Her work exemplifies the rigorous inquiry and innovative thinking that drive RCoN’s academic mission.

Significant Investment in Doctoral Advancement

The Research Foundation recognized multiple RCoN faculty members with Doctoral Funding Awards, supporting their pursuit of terminal degrees and further specialization. These investments strengthen the college’s academic excellence and ensure sustained leadership in nursing education.

2026 Doctoral Funding Recipients – Research College of Nursing

• Anne Batchelder, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC
• Charla Clark, MSN, RN
• Jill Morsbach, MSN, RN, RNC-MNN
• Ashlye Speer, MSN, RN

These educators represent the future of advanced nursing practice and academic leadership at RCoN.

Faculty Scholarship Grant Awardees

One Research College of Nursing faculty member were selected to receive Faculty Scholarship Grants, which fund short-term research and study initiatives that enhance faculty development and contribute to innovation in nursing education.

• Margaret Bjelica, DNP, ACNS-BC, CRRN

Her projects will further strengthen the college’s contributions to research, evidence-based practice, and academic advancement.

Advancing Excellence in Nursing Education

This year’s honorees demonstrate Research College of Nursing’s dedication to cultivating outstanding educators, supporting professional growth, and preparing the next generation of nursing leaders. The recognition by The Research Foundation underscores the college’s role as a leading institution in the Kansas City region.

RCoN celebrates these remarkable faculty members and their continued contributions to the college, its students, and the nursing profession.

Congratulations to the exceptional students in our baccalaureate nursing program who earned a place on the Fall 2025 Honor Roll. These students achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while maintaining full-time status in a challenging nursing curriculum.

Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence reflect the high standards of Research College of Nursing. Congratulations on this well‑deserved recognition.

September 4, 2025

Congratulations to the exceptional students in our baccalaureate nursing program who earned a place on the Summer 2025 Honor Roll! These dedicated individuals achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while maintaining full-time status in a rigorous nursing curriculum.

Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence inspire us all. Well done!

August 19, 2025

Congratulations to the exceptional students in our baccalaureate nursing program who earned a place on the Spring 2025 Honor Roll! These dedicated individuals achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while maintaining full-time status in a rigorous nursing curriculum.

Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence inspire us all. Well done!

June 6, 2024

Congratulations to the Research College of Nursing students in the baccalaureate degree program who earned a place on the Honor Roll for Spring 2024! These outstanding nursing students in the traditional and accelerated tracks held full–time status and a nursing semester grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence inspire us all. Well done!

BSN (Juniors & Seniors)

April 3, 2023

Research College of Nursing faculty continue to make outstanding contributions across the region through their leadership, scholarship, and service. It is an honor and a privilege to have many of Kansas City’s leading nurse educators as part of our college community.

Each year, The Research Foundation provides scholarships and awards to nurse educators for their impact within their college, community, and the nursing profession. Congratulations to the 2023 Nursing Faculty Development Award recipients!

• Teaching Excellence Award: Karin Roberts, PhD, RN, CNE
• Outstanding Community Service Award: Rosalia Molina, PhD, RN
• Scholarly Achievement Award: Christine Thurlow, PhD, RN
• Dr. Nancy O. DeBasio Faculty Leadership Award: Cassie Pearson, MSN, RN, CNE
• Doctoral Funding:
  • Pamelia Bertrand, MSN, RN
  • Nicole Kreimer, MSN, RN, APHN-BC
  • Julia Payne, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, CNE
  • Cassie Pearson, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Sarah Schlanker, MSN, RN, CNOR

To view the full list of 2023 award recipients and learn more about their achievements, please visit The Research Foundation’s website.