Puckett chosen for Kossen Faculty Excellence Award
Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Leigh Anne Puckett was announced as the Kossen Faculty Excellence Award recipient at the Spring Commencement Ceremony Friday, May 3.
“As Dean, I am so very proud to congratulate Dr. Puckett and the other faculty on their well-deserved awards. Their dedication to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to student success are a testament to their exceptional talent, passion and tireless efforts in shaping the next generation of professional nurses. We are truly fortunate to have such outstanding educators within our Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences,” said Dr. Brandy Larmon, dean of the Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The Kossen Award recipient must be a meritorious tenured faculty member of The W who has exhibited excellence in teaching, scholarly or artistic achievement, and service, preferably on campus and in communities, throughout The W’s service area.
“I am truly honored to have been selected for this prestigious award. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my colleagues and family through my years of service here at The W. I would not be where I am today without the guidance of those who I have had the honor of working with. Thank you again for this meaningful recognition,” said Puckett.
Drs. Connie (’64) and Tom Kossen established the Kossen Faculty Excellence Award endowment. Every year, the endowment funds a $6,000 award to recognize an outstanding faculty member.
To be considered for the award, a faculty member must exhibit a commitment to teaching and learning that results in outstanding opportunities for students served, demonstrate excellence in scholarly or artistic achievement and exhibit excellence in service through a commitment to activities on campus, including those involving governance and student services. Puckett was awarded professor with tenure in spring of 2024.
“Dr. Leigh Anne Puckett exemplifies the epitome of excellence in academia, embodying a rare blend of exceptional teaching, insightful advising, productive scholarly endeavors and unwavering commitment to service. As an esteemed member of our faculty, Dr. Puckett consistently surpasses expectations in every facet of her professional journey, leaving a lasting impact on our university, college, department and community at large,” said Dr. Karen George, coordinator of The W’s RN-to-BSN program.
Dr. Maria Scott said, “Dr. Puckett is very helpful, easily approachable and always prepared. She makes it easy for students to ask questions by creating a learning environment that is relaxed and non-threatening and addresses all types of learners.”
Puckett joined The W as a faculty member in 2014. At the university, she has served on the BSN Curriculum Committee; Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee; and the Institutional Commitment Committee, among others. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Mississippi Nurses Association, the Mississippi Hospital Association and the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
Puckett earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Administration with Educator Concentration from Samford University, Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Delta State University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Mississippi Medical Center.
The Kossen Faculty Excellence Award recognizes the achievements of individuals through many years of service to The W. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the community can nominate candidates.