Distinguished Researcher Award

The purpose of the SNRS Distinguished Researcher Award is to recognize the contribution of an individual whose established program of research has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the southern region. Winners of the Distinguished Researcher Award will be considered by the Board to represent SNRS at the bi-annual CANS State of the Science Congress.

The recipient of the award shall be selected in accordance with the established award criteria:

  1. Consistent evidence of outstanding scholarly contributions to nursing knowledge.
  2. A sustained publishing record and an ongoing program of research.
  3. Documented contributions of research, and research-related activities within the Southern region.
  4. Must be a member of SNRS

Nomination Procedure: The nomination form must be completed via the link on the SNRS webpage for this award. Nominations for this award must be made by a current SNRS member in the form of a nominations packet. The nominations packet must be submitted electronically per instructions on the SNRS website by the posted deadline.  Only the materials specified for the packet will apply to the award review. All information submitted in the nomination packet becomes the property of SNRS and will not be returned.

The Nomination Packet should include the following, uploaded in one PDF. 

  1. Letter of nomination which outlines how the nominee meets the award criteria.
  2. Two letters of support
  3. Brief statement (150 words or less) by the nominee summarizing how program of research has impacted the science and practice of nursing in the Southern region, including a brief account of service involvement with SNRS or other research-related professional organizations.
  4. Signed consent statement by nominee to attend the Annual Conference to receive the award and deliver a research presentation.
  5. The nominee's full Curriculum Vitae
  6. Electronic copies of two published or in press research articles

Guidelines for Letters

  1. Limit letters to two (2) pages, single spaced with a minimum of 1 inch margins and 10 point typeface. 
  2. Summarize the major scholarly contributions of the nominee as outlined in the award criteria.
  3. Describe the influence of these contributions on the scholarly work or development of others.
  4. Describe your interaction with the nominee or nominees’ work.

Selection Process: The SNRS Awards Committee will review the nomination packets and make recommendations to the SNRS Board for final approval. The recipient will be honored at the SNRS Annual Conference (nominee may be asked to deliver a research presentation and provide consent for it to be archived by SNRS); therefore, the nominee must agree to attend the Annual Conference.

Please click here to upload your nomination packet.

Associated documents: Guidelines/score sheet for reviewers

Past Recipients of the Distinguished Researcher Award:

2020 Ruth Tappen

2019 Dr. Debra Lyon, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN

2018 Marcia Holstad, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN

2017 Donna Hathaway, PhD, RN, FAAN

2016 Lynn Rew, PhD, RN, FAAN

2015 Elizabeth J. Corwin, PhD, RN, FAAN

2014 Alison Trinkoff

2013 JoAnne M. Youngblut, PhD, RN, FAAN

2012 Debra K. Moser, DNSc, RN, FAAN

2011 Jean C. McSweeney, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN

2010 Sandra B. Dunbar, RN, DSN, FAAN

2009 Barbara Smith, PhD, RN, FAAN

2008 Nancy L. McCain, DNS, RN, FAAN

2007 Richard H. Steeves, Ph.D., RN, FNP, FAAN

2006 Judith McFarlane, RN, DrPH, FAAN

2004 Susan McMillan

2003 Diane Holditch Davis

2001 Janet Allan

2000 Barbara Parker

1999 Joanne Harrell

1998 Cornelia Beck

1997 Barbara Holtzclaw

1996 D. Jean Wood