DNP program director, Robin Harris DNP, RN, will receive the award during the UPCEA conference in Madison, Wisconsin.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing’s (SSON) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has received the 2015 Central Region Excellence Award from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). The award honors educational programs for excellence in achieving their educational objectives. This award is not given every year, but only given to the most deserving programs. The DNP program met all the criteria for the award which included being original in a substantive way, meeting objectives, demonstrating a contribution in higher education and was conducted in a cost effective manner.

“This award reflects the able leadership of [DNP program director] Robin Harris, the focus area and specialty option coordinators, as well as the hard work and dedication of the entire faculty to achieve excellence,” SSON Dean Judith Fitzgerald Miller said.

The SSON is dedicated to discovering new knowledge and implementing best practices in teaching, research and service. Students have an opportunity to learn from some of the best and most-innovative researchers in the world. They not only learn how to care for patients, but also how to bring best practices to the point of care. By the time students graduate, they are confident and have the ability to excel in complex health care systems.

“Our distance-mediated programs continue to evolve in supporting the latest trends and best learning methodologies in online learning,” Harris said. “I am truly privileged to be a part of the SSON who continues to support innovative online instructional endeavors, which set our program apart from the many online nursing programs available.”

The award will be presented to Harris during the UPCEA Central 2015 Regional Conference in Madison, Wisconsin on October 20, 2015.