By Laura Gasque

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Student Nurses’ Association has received two national awards, recognizing the chapter for its core values and its president for exceptional leadership. The students traveled to the National Student Nurses' Association National Conference in Seattle, Washington in April to accept the honors.

The School’s SNA chapter is the recipient of the Core Values Award for its commitment to community involvement, engagement with professional organizations, NSNA affiliation and student advocacy. Assistant Professor and SNA Advisor Karmie M. Johnson, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP‐BC, CNE (MSN 2011, DNP 2016), said schools were evaluated based on advocacy, professionalism, quality education, leadership and care.

“To be selected out of 600 chapters is a tremendous honor and reflects how exceptional our student leaders are,” Johnson said. “I’m continually inspired by the creativity, determination and commitment to positive change the SNA displays. From the over 1,000 service hours a year contributed by the chapter to organizing innovative events like the SNA Flu Shot Clinic, the chapter also supports each other through wellness initiatives like their mentoring program. SNA at UAB exemplifies the best of Blazer spirit.

Johnson also recently received UAB’s Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award for her work with SNA and the Filipino Student Organization.

SNA President and Bachelor of Science in Nursing student Victoria Williams, BSN (BSN 2025), received the Ambassador Award, recognizing an outstanding NSNA member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within their school or state chapter. Recipients of this award were selected based on their leadership impact, involvement, spirit and alignment with the core values of the organization.

“Being SNA president taught me the importance of being a leader through service to the chapter, school and community,” Williams said. “Attending the NSNA convention in Seattle this year was a privilege that I do not take for granted. it was truly an honor to receive the NSNA Ambassador Award and I’m so thankful to everyone at the UAB School of Nursing for your support.”