Long Named Faculty Member of the Year
Mississippi University for Women announced Assistant Professor of Nursing Tina Long as the 2025 Faculty Member of the Year during the spring Commencement ceremonies held Friday, May 9.
“Tina Long exemplifies the heart and spirit of The W,” said President Nora Miller. “Her unwavering dedication to student success, her passion for teaching, and her commitment to excellence in nursing education make her truly deserving of this recognition. We are proud to honor her outstanding contributions to our university community.”
The Faculty Member of the Year award honors faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising and professional activities—particularly those who exceed expectations in supporting The W’s students and academic programs. The recognition includes a $1,000 grant from the Alumni Association.
“Ms. Long is truly the epitome of exceptional faculty practice. She is valued by her students, her peers and our college administration. It is phenomenal that she will receive the recognition she deserves for her dedicated and tireless efforts on behalf of our students and programs,” said Dr. Brandy Larmon, dean of the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Long has been a member of the university’s faculty since 2018. She holds an active license from the Mississippi Board of Nursing and the Alabama Board of Nursing and maintains current certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS).
“Being named Faculty Member of the Year means so much to me, especially at this point in my career. What makes it even more special is that it comes from the students and colleagues I work with every day. I’m truly grateful to be part of a program that values connection, support and a shared commitment to student success,” said Long.
She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. In 2017, she joined the American Nurses Association and remains an active member.
Nursing student Emille McManus said, “Ms. Long is an exceptional faculty member who takes on a motherly role, always looking out for her students with care and guidance. She supports us wholeheartedly, ensuring we feel confident and capable in our journey to becoming nurses. She will work overtime just to make sure we understand what is needed to progress. Nursing school is a very stressful environment, but Ms. Long does everything she can to make it as smooth as possible for all of her students.”
“She sees and hears us all. She’ll stop us in the hall and invite us to her office just to check in and see how we’re doing or how she can help. She understands how challenging nursing school can be, so she always makes herself available for any questions or concerns we may have,” said nursing student Jamecia Kency.
In addition to her teaching, Long has contributed to nursing scholarship through multiple graduate-level presentations. Her research has addressed topics such as learning styles, online education and improving patient satisfaction in emergency departments through script-based communication and hourly rounding.
Long earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Samford University in 2018, following an Associate Degree in Nursing from Bevill State Community College in 2013.Currently, she pursing her terminal degree in Instructional Leadership in Nursing Education at The University of Alabama.