Brenda Pope

M.S.N.-Ed., RN, NPD-BC
Manager, Clinical Education and Professional Development

From her nominator: “Brenda’s nursing career has significantly influenced organizational standards and professional development across our Health System. As a manager of a large and dynamic team, she led the creation of a competency management framework grounded in comprehensive gap analysis and collaboration with unit educators. Within four months, her team developed a streamlined, trackable electronic program that met accreditation standards and standardized education across disciplines. Her leadership expanded educational offerings while strengthening nurse residency retention. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognized that virtual-only onboarding was not enough and led the development of a hybrid model that better supported new nurses. She also remains deeply patient-centered, once stepping away from her leadership role to support a transplant patient who later shared that her presence helped restore a sense of peace. She describes her legacy simply: to be great for other people.”

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Nathan Stewart

B.S.N., RN, CCRN
Unit Based Educator, 9 Blue – Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)

From his nominator: “Nathan Stewart exemplifies innovation in clinical education. As a Cardiovascular ICU educator, he identified gaps in staff confidence around high-acuity interventions and pioneered the integration of digital platforms, simulation tools, and virtual reality into training. He developed the Open Chest Digital Library and an interactive CVICU monitor application that visually demonstrates real-time hemodynamic changes, reshaping how nurses prepare for complex emergencies. His work has extended beyond UT Southwestern, with thousands accessing these resources nationally. During the care of a critically ill patient requiring ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), Nathan used his educational tools to guide both the care team and the patient’s family, turning a high-stakes moment into one of clarity and confidence. Through his empathy and creative processes, he is redefining how nurses learn and empowering them to deliver high-level care with preparedness and precision.”

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Daphna Zack

D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

From her nominator: “Daphna’s contributions to nursing education and advocacy have profoundly shaped institutional standards and elevated the broader profession. A dual recipient of the 2025 UTSW APP Excellence in Scholarly Endeavors and Education & Advocacy awards, she integrates clinical excellence with academic rigor. Her published work on autism spectrum disorder assessment in female children has influenced diagnostic awareness and prompted interdisciplinary dialogue within pediatric care teams. She also participates in national learning collaboratives that improve outcomes for children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure and reinforce evidence-based care models. Beyond scholarship, Daphna is a dedicated mentor, providing more than 500 hours of structured onboarding to new APPs and ensuring they are grounded in both clinical skill and compassionate practice. Whether guiding families through complex diagnoses or educating peers nationally, she consistently translates knowledge into meaningful, patient-centered impact.”

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