Alumni Awards
On This Page
Each year, the Nurses Alumni Association (NAA) honors alumni and friends who are committed to the key values and missions of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and NAA.
Recognizing Nurse Leaders
Nomination Criteria
Honor a Colleague or Friend
We encourage you to nominate a classmate, colleague, or friend who embodies the values of the nursing profession and the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing.
- Submit the nomination form.
- Provide a statement of support (500 words or less).
- Upload a copy of the nominee's most recent resume/CV.
- Provide any additional articles, videos, or other supporting materials that highlight the nominee's contributions to the nursing profession if possible.
All nominations are considered for three years, unless otherwise indicated by the nominator. The Awards Committee will not conduct independent research on a nominee, and the committee will only consider information that is part of a submitted nomination. The Awards Committee will not consider nominations consisting solely of a nominee's resume; the nomination form and statement of support must also be included. Award recipients must attend the awards celebration to receive their award.
Eligible Awards
Distinguished Nursing Lifetime Achievement Award:
Awarded to an alumnus or non-alumnus (or both) whose career has demonstrated continuous and exemplary contributions to the profession of nursing and/or health care.
Excellence in Nursing Education or Research:
Awarded to a School of Nursing alumnus who has shown significant contributions to advancing nursing knowledge or education with measurable impact.
Excellence in Nursing Leadership, Innovation, or Collaboration:
Awarded to a School of Nursing alumnus who has demonstrated transformative impact with tangible achievements in leadership, innovation, or collaboration.
Emerging Nursing Professional / Recent Graduate Award:
Awarded to a School of Nursing graduate from the past 10 years who has contributed exceptional service to the NAA, the School of Nursing, and/or to the profession of nursing.
Excellence in Social Responsibility and Global Health:
Awarded to a School of Nursing alumnus who has shown leadership in initiatives with documented, sustainable impact on global or community health.
Excellence in Nursing Practice:
Awarded to a School of Nursing alumnus with sustained clinical excellence and leadership in practice that inspires peers.
Honorary Alumni Award:
Awarded to an individual who is not an alumnus, but who has become a notable and important part of the School of Nursing family because of dedication and distinguished service/support to the School of Nursing.
Not all awards may be given in a particular year and may rotate or sit dormant at any time given the pool of nominees.
Celebrating Excellence
The Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing recognized six alumni for outstanding contributions to the school, profession, and community during the 2026 NAA Awards dinner.
Contact
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact:
Jayme Hogan-Yarbro
Director of Alumni Engagement
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing