CONAA Honors Two UK College of Nursing Alumni
Two outstanding UK College of Nursing Alumni were honored at the College of Nursing Alumni Association luncheon on October 14. Dr. Jake Higgins was the recipient of the First Decade Award and Ms. Delanor Manson was the recipient of the Outstanding Alumnus Award.
Dr. Higgins received a BSN in 2012 and a PhD in 2019 from UK and is currently an assistant professor in the College of Nursing as well as nurse scientist with UK HealthCare.
“Jake has laid the foundation for an exemplary career in nursing,” said Dean Janie Heath. “It is nothing short of extraordinary to think how much Jake has accomplished since earning his BSN from us in 2012 to where he is today as one of our PhD alumni soaring with academic nursing leadership as an assistant professor for the College of Nursing.”
Dr. Higgins is a past president of Sigma Theta Tau Delta Psi Chapter and he was appointed member of the Kentucky Board of Nursing. “I’m so grateful Jake was selected for this prestigious honor and look forward to his next decade of service as an academic leader, educator and researcher,” said Dean Heath.
Ms. Manson received her BSN from the College of Nursing in 1976 and went on to earn an MA in Healthcare Administration from Webster University. She is currently the managing consultant for Manson and Associates, LLC, and is the chief executive officer for the Kentucky Nurses Association.
“Delanor is an alumnus who exemplifies a commitment for supporting the College as well as demonstrating an outstanding career in nursing,” said Dean Heath. “Her career has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Ms. Manson is a former Navy Nurse Corp Officer with 27 years of service and the Deputy Secretary for Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
This story was written by James Hayhurst.
