KANSAS CITY, Mo., (Mar. 16, 2026) – The Research Foundation has awarded nursing educators from Research College of Nursing, Avila University, and William Jewell College for teaching excellence, scholarly achievement, community services doctoral study, and faculty scholarship grants. These awards are presented annually and are open to all nursing faculty at the three institutions.
The Teaching Excellence Award is given to those who have made a positive difference in the teaching climate of their college or university. The Research Foundation recognized Research College of Nursing associate professor Margaret Bjelica, DNP, ACNS-BC, CRRN, and Avila University associate professor of nursing Cheryl Carlin, DNP, RN, CNE, as the Teaching Excellence Award recipients.
The Scholarly Achievement Award is to recognize the involvement of faculty members in scholarly pursuits. The award is given to faculty members who have made a positive difference in scholarly activities. These activities must advance the teaching, research, and practice of nursing through inquiry that is significant to the profession, is creative, can be documented, can be replicated or elaborated, and can be peer-reviewed. The Research Foundation recognized Research College of Nursing assistant professor Nicole Kreimer, DNP, MSN, RN, PHNA as the Scholarly Achievement Award recipient.
The Outstanding Community Service Award is given to those who demonstrate service to the community and encourages faculty and students to provide leadership and service that fosters community growth. The Research Foundation recognized Avila University assistant professor of nursing Kellie Quesada, MSN, RN as the Outstanding Community Service Award recipient.
The Teaching Excellence Award, Scholarly Achievement Award, and Outstanding Community Service Award all include a $1,500 honorarium.
The Research Foundation also facilitates faculty development by funding doctoral degrees. Avila University nursing fauclty member Madelyn Marshall, MSN, RN; Research College of Nursing faculty members Anne Batchelder, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC; Charla Clark, MSN, RN; Jill Morsbach, MSN, RN, RNC-MNN; and Ashlye Speer, MSN, RN; as well as William Jewell College nursing faculty member Melissa Timmons, MSN, RNBC are eligible for up to $5,000 of funding.
Research College of Nursing associate professor Margaret Bjelica, DNP, ACNS-BC, CRRN was awarded a $2,460 faculty scholarship grant to conduct an evidence-based investigation on whether an educational intervention given to undergraduate nursing students will increase their knowledge of human trafficking.
Visit theresearchfoundationkc.org/faculty to learn more about The Research Foundation’s nursing faculty development awards and scholarships.
