Scott named Kossen Award Winner
COLUMBUS, Miss.—chair of the baccalaureate nursing program Dr. Maria Scott has been announced as the Kossen Faculty Excellence Award winner.
Drs. Connie ('64) and Tom Kossen established the Kossen Faculty Excellence Award endowment. Every year the endowment funds a $6,000 award to recognize an outstanding faculty member.
“I am truly honored to be chosen for such a prestigious award and humbled to have been nominated by my colleagues. This recognition will serve as a constant reminder to continue to strive for the excellence that this award represents,” said Scott
The Kossen Award recipient must be a meritorious tenured faculty member of The W who has exhibited excellence in teaching, scholarly or artistic achievement, and service, preferably on campus and in communities, throughout The W's service area.
“Dr. Scott has been a dedicated faculty member at The W since 2001. Dr. Scott has served as classroom instructor, team member, level coordinator and department chair for both the ASN and BSN departments. She has overcome many challenges during her time here but has maintained her compassionate spirit. Dr. Scott wants her students to provide outstanding care for their patients and to succeed in their chosen profession. Congratulations to Dr. Scott for being selected for this outstanding honor,” said Dr. Mccoy
To be considered for the award, a faculty member must exhibit a commitment to teaching and learning that results in outstanding opportunities for students served, demonstrate excellence in scholarly or artistic achievement and exhibit excellence in service through a commitment to activities on campus, including those involving governance and those involving student services.
“Dr. Scott is committed to student excellence and success as she is aware of students' performances in both clinical and classroom settings. She often inquires about student success and progression within the program not only with faculty and staff, but with students as well,” said Amy Mobley, BSN nursing instructor.
Scott has served as a peer-reviewer for the Journal of Nursing Scholarship for the past five years. She holds more than 28 years of experience in nursing and nursing education. Scott is a member of the National League for Nurses, American Association Colleges of Nursing, Mississippi Nurses Association and Mississippi Nurses Foundation. At the university, Scott serves on the Academic Integrity Committee, Council of Chairs and the Department of Nursing Advisory Board.
Skills and simulation lab coordinator Maris Braddock said, “Dr. Scott has an open-door policy in place for students to bring their concerns, seek guidance or just provide a listening ear. She holds them to high expectations and standards of the college, while maintaining a level of empathy and compassion that is translated in every interaction.”
The Kossen Faculty Excellence Award recognizes achievements of individuals through many years of service to The W. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the community can nominate candidates.