Six UNMC College of Nursing faculty members have been named Nebraska Nurses Association’s and Nebraska Organization of Nursing Leadership’s 40 Under 40 honorees.
The annual list recognizes 40 emerging nurse leaders in Nebraska younger than 40 years of age. Awardees were honored on Oct. 6 at the NNA Annual Convention in Lincoln.
Earning 40 Under 40 status from the UNMC College of Nursing this year are:
- Shalea Cotton, DNP
- Amber Golden, DNP
- Melissa Langenberg, DNP
- Haley Hays, DNP
- Alyson Hanish, PhD
- Jen Miller, PhD
Winners were nominated by colleagues and submitted responses to four essay questions. The following are comments from the winners, as well as the names of their nominators.
- Dr. Cotton (nominated by Tiffany Moore, PhD): “I am encouraged to continue to grow as a leader and to continue to learn. Working in nursing academia as a clinical assistant professor gives me the opportunity to share my experiences and inspire the future of nursing. I am looking forward to working on what my legacy will be in the field and am more excited to influence health in my community.”
- Dr. Golden (nominated by Kate Fiandt, PhD): “I am truly humbled by this award. What consistently propels me forward in my career are the students and patients I have the privilege of working with. Making a positive impact on their lives brings me immense joy, and witnessing this impact is the driving force behind my motivation.”
- Dr. Langenberg (nominated by Dr. Fiandt): “This encourages me to continue on my path of leadership, because it is a validation that I am doing something right, the UNMC College of Nursing is doing something right. It drives me to continue with my passion of furthering acceptance of the nurse practitioner position and advocating for all nurses across the state to be able to practice at the top of their scope.”
- Dr. Hays (nominated by Dr. Fiandt): “It is incredibly humbling that I was nominated for the work that I have completed throughout my nursing career; however, this recognition will continue to positively impact my future goals within the state of Nebraska and nationwide. Personally, the 40 under 40 recognition is an exciting and motivating sign of appreciation that has provided the realization that my contributions to nursing have provided value and meaning.”
- Dr. Hanish (nominated by Michele Balas, PhD): “Great leaders made space and grace for me to cultivate talents — and take some risks. In my career, I have learned that pursuing opportunities rooted in values and fueled by passion does not guarantee ‘success,’ but can certainly cultivate a ripe environment. Even ‘failure’ can propel one forward to new opportunities. Through innovative paths, I am determined to help develop future leaders and invest in the next generation.”
- Dr. Miller (nominated by Dr. Balas): “This recognition acknowledges my contribution to the nursing profession and the importance of my science to improve patient-centered care and outcomes. It’s affirming the impact of my years of hard work, starting at the bedside as a nurse in the ICU to being an assistant professor at UNMC and a nurse practitioner.”