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.

Commencement was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of our newest RCoN graduates. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff, our students crossed the stage with confidence and officially stepped into the next chapter of their nursing journey. It was inspiring to witness their hard work, resilience, and compassion come to life on such a special day.

The ceremony also gave us the opportunity to recognize this year’s outstanding award winners. These students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, service, and commitment to the values of RCoN. Celebrating their achievements alongside their classmates made the day even more meaningful.

We are grateful for the impact this graduating class has already made and cannot wait to see the difference they will bring to the communities they serve.

DAISY Award for Outstanding Nursing Students:
The DAISY Award honors those who go “above and beyond” and make an extraordinary difference in the experiences of patients and their families.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Kelsey Harrington.

Theresa Chang Award:
The Theresa Chang Award is given to the student who excelled in the clinical setting and providing direct patient care. The recipient of this award is a student who values mentorship, and demonstrates exceptional selflessness, compassion, and excellence in nursing practice.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Lauren Muirhead.

Barbara A. Clemence Award:
The Barbara A. Clemence Award honors a servant leader who exhibits insightfulness, a willingness to be a risk taker, and someone who possesses a team-player mentality.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Cynne Soria.

The William V. Longmoor Values Award:
The William V. Longmoor Values Award honors the student who best exemplifies the mission and vision of both Research College of Nursing and Research Medical Center.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Holly Davis.

By Nicole Kreimer, DNP, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC

Part of the mission of Research College of Nursing is “caring for our community” and students, faculty and staff have taken that to heart. During the spring of 2026, Research College of Nursing has coordinated community service opportunities at Harvesters, Journey to New Life, Cross-lines, Happy Bottoms, and KC Farm School at Gibbs Road. When asked what opportunity she liked the best, student Jennifer Spangler (ABSN ’26) said, “My favorite place to volunteer was Journey to New Life, where we spent a beautiful, sunny day building a raised vegetable garden. I admire the organization’s work supporting women as they rebuild their lives after incarceration.” In addition to gardening, volunteers have sorted food, helped with farm clean up, and packaged diapers. So far in 2026, students have given 120 hours of volunteer hours to community service opportunities coordinated plus 363.5 volunteer hours in other volunteer activities.

When asked why they volunteer TBSN ’27 student Jonelle Washington said “It exposes me to the real needs of others and shows me the hard work required to ensure food and essential resources are accessible to those who depend on them,” and Cynee Soria (TBSN ’26) said, “Volunteering is another opportunity for me to help others but most especially people that need help the most. I’m someone who advocates for a holistic approach to health and being able to educate anyone I meet or provide services they may not otherwise receive fills my heart with warmth. It reminds me of why I became a nurse.” As 2026 continues, we look forward to caring for our community in many more ways and in many more organizations.

The Research Student Governing Board recently hosted a professional development event featuring Laura McDonald, DNAP, CRNA and Clinical Instructor for the University of Kansas Nurse Anesthesia Program.

During the session, Dr. McDonald discussed the steps required to become a CRNA, offered insight into the responsibilities and rewards of the profession, and provided detailed information about KU’s Nurse Anesthesia Program. She also answered student questions and offered guidance for those considering advanced practice nursing.

RCoN students made a strong impression at Overland Park Regional’s first‑ever Student Night, for an evening of learning, exploration, and professional connection.

The event was only scheduled for an hour, but the enthusiasm of our students quickly extended the night. Twelve RCoN students chose to stay well past the planned end time, as they toured the facility, engaged in conversations with OPR staff, and asked thoughtful questions about clinical practice and career pathways.

Throughout the evening, students explored different areas of the facility, including the emergency department and trauma bay, where they gained a closer look at the tools, workflows, and capabilities that support patient care. They also had the opportunity to speak with team members about nurse extern roles, shadowing opportunities, and residency programs, giving them valuable insight into what their future careers could look like.

The curiosity, professionalism, and genuine excitement our students brought to the event were evident. Their engagement reflected both their commitment to learning and their eagerness to explore the many possibilities within the nursing profession.

March 19, 2026 – Research College of Nursing launched its Women’s History Month programming with a Women in Leadership Panel highlighting accomplished nursing leaders from across HCA Midwest Health. The event offered students a firsthand look at the realities of leadership in modern healthcare, emphasizing professional growth, resilience, and patient advocacy.

Throughout the discussion, panelists shared perspectives on building confidence, navigating career pathways, and supporting both patients and clinical teams. Speakers underscored that effective leadership is shaped through daily actions and consistent professional integrity rather than formal titles alone.

Representatives from multiple HCA Midwest Health facilities participated in the panel, including:

• Amy Townsend, EdD, RN, CNE — Research College of Nursing
• Julie Filbeck, RN, MSN — Research Medical Center
• Ashley Garcia, RN, BSN — Research Medical Center
• Katie Murphy, RN, BSN — HCA Midwest Health
• Lisa Norder, DNP, RN — HCA Midwest Health
• Lindsey Goldammer, RN, MSN — Belton Regional Medical Center
• Ishani Akpovona, RN, MSN — HCA Midwest Health
• Theresa Kading, RN, MSN — Menorah Medical Center

The event served as both an educational opportunity and a celebration of the impact women leaders have within the nursing profession. The panelists’ commitment to mentorship and professional excellence continues to support the development of future nurse leaders within the RCoN community.

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.