Jennifer Riseden was "surprised and humbled," she said, when she learned she received the DAISY Award, a highly regarded honor for anyone in the nursing field.
Riseden, faculty lead of the family nurse practitioner program in Grand Canyon University's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, was nominated by her fellow faculty.
“This is truly a team,” she said. “I’m a doer. I help and step in when needed.”
Riseden said she wants her team to feel it is contributing to student success and the program's growth.
“We’re always striving for excellence,” she said. “And we’re looking for ways to make things better so the program is the best it can be.”
The national foundation presents the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty in recognition of an educator’s role in inspiring and motivating students, serving as an exceptional role model, and promoting a culture of caring.
She said her GCU team is dedicated to supporting the students in the family nurse practitioner program.
“We are happy with the progress of the program and the students,” she said.
That dedication comes from her calling to train the next generation of nurse practitioners. She said entering the nursing profession is truly a calling rather than a career.
“I’ve always believed in treating others the way I want to be treated,” Riseden said. “I believe I was placed in this role to lead with a heart of compassion and as a servant of Jesus.”
She added, “The leadership at GCU and the people around me are so positive about what we can do. I’m grateful for being given this chance to lead and serve."
