The contributions of two local nursing professionals with ties to UWindsor have been recognized by the Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing in honour of National Nursing Week, which runs through May 14.

UWindsor student success co-ordinator and sessional instructor Fran Meloche (BScN 2004; MScN 2016) received the network’s Master’s Student Award of Excellence, which recognizes academic excellence and work which demonstrates the potential to contribute significantly to the nursing community and enhance nursing knowledge.

Kathy Deshaies (BScN 1988; MScN 2008), a former UWindsor sessional instructor who currently teaches in St. Clair College’s nursing program, received the Award for Excellence in Collaborative Education. The award recognizes achievement by a faculty member in college-university collaborative baccalaureate education.

Faculty of Nursing dean Linda Patrick says the awards acknowledge the efforts of Ontario’s most outstanding nursing students, faculty, researchers and other key leaders.

“It is an honour and privilege to count Fran and Kathy among the ranks of our faculty and alumni,” she says. “We know that nurses are not only at the front lines of patient care, but make tremendous healthcare contributions through their research and collaborative efforts.”