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The University of Arkansas at Monticello Student Nurses Association (UAM SNA) recently received the Stellar School Chapter Award at the 74th National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) annual convention.

UAM SNA attended the convention in Houston, Texas, from April 8 to 11. The delegation included Brianna Barnett, instructor of nursing at UAM; Kaitlyn Clark, a senior from Hamburg, Arkansas; Jacob Courson, a junior from Star City, Arkansas; Ashley Owen, instructor of nursing clinicals at UAM; Graci Philips, a senior from Star City, Arkansas; and Emma Scott, a junior from Magnet Cove, Arkansas.

According to the NSNA website, “the NSNA Stellar School Chapter Recognition Program recognizes NSNA school chapters that demonstrate ongoing involvement in NSNA, including a strong commitment to shared governance and professional development of their students and faculty. The awards are open to official NSNA school chapters that have maintained constituency status for the previous five years and meet specific criteria for recognition.”

Destiny Allison, assistant professor, simulation coordinator and nursing grants coordinator at the School of Nursing at UAM and advisor of UAM SNA, said, “I am incredibly proud of my SNA students. The compassion and dedication they show to this community speak volumes about who they are and what nursing truly represents. Nursing is more than caring for the sick; it is about serving others, uplifting their communities and making a difference wherever there is a need. Watching these students grow into future nurses who lead with not only skill but also with their heart is truly inspiring.”

This designation will remain in effect for the next five years. During that time, UAM SNA will receive national recognition in NSNA publications to spotlight UAM’s commitment to excellence in nursing education, allowing the university to serve as a visible symbol of leadership, professionalism and student success.

Mallory Jackson, a junior from Monticello, Arkansas, noted, “SNA has helped me better understand what it means to represent nursing in a positive and professional way. Through community service and involvement, we were able to show compassion and leadership. I feel like our organization reflected the values of nursing and helped create a strong and positive image of the profession.”

In addition to the Stellar School Chapter Award, UAM SNA received three awards at the Arkansas Nursing Student Association (ANSA) convention in September 2025 for their efforts to serve their community and support fellow nursing students. They won the Breakthrough to Nursing Award, the Image of Nursing Award and the Outstanding Newsletter Award.

“Winning these awards at ANSA means so much to me,” Philips said. “I am so grateful to be a part of an SNA chapter that gives us opportunities for professional development and making a difference in the community.”

Amanda Smith, dean of the School of Nursing at UAM, stated, “These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication our students and faculty demonstrate not only within the School of Nursing but also through service, scholarship and collaboration that positively impact our community. We are proud of this recognition, which reinforces our mission to prepare future nursing graduates with the knowledge, skills and professional attitudes necessary to advance the nursing profession and provide excellence in patient care.”

For more information about UAM SNA or the School of Nursing at UAM, contact uamnursing@uamont.edu or 870-460-1069.