Nursing Alumni Society Awards

Distinguished Alumna Award

Terri S. Armstrong, PhD, ANPBC, FAANP, FAAN

Dr. Terri S. Armstrong is an internationally recognized nurse scientist whose groundbreaking contributions have reshaped patient-centered outcomes research in neuro-oncology. She is a two-time alumna of The Ohio State University and has held prestigious leadership roles at the National Cancer Institute, including senior investigator, deputy branch chief of the neuro-oncology branch and associate director for patient centered outcomes.

Her scholarship—spanning more than 240 peer-reviewed publications—has influenced national guidelines, advanced symptom science and transformed clinical trials through programs such as NCI CONNECT and the RANO Quality of Life Collaborative.

A renowned mentor, she has guided more than 60 trainees and developed innovative training programs that elevate the next generation of clinician-scientists. Dr. Armstrong’s visionary leadership, research excellence and lifelong service to patients and families exemplify the highest ideals of the Distinguished Alumna Award.

Distinguished Recent Alumna Award

Kaitlyn Kolcun, DNP, APRN-CNS, CNE

Dr. Kaitlyn Kolcun is an accomplished nurse leader, educator and innovator whose work is transforming nursing education and practice at The Ohio State University and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Beginning her career as an oncology staff nurse, she quickly emerged as a trusted clinician, preceptor and advocate for evidence-based care.

Now serving as an assistant clinical professor and nursing education consultant, she has built groundbreaking academic-practice partnerships, expanded clinical placement opportunities and advanced workforce pipeline initiatives that strengthen recruitment and retention. Nationally recognized for her scholarship in virtual reality, clinical judgment and educational innovation, Dr. Kolcun also serves as Chair of the Professional Practice Committee for American Nurses Association Ohio.

Her passion, integrity and commitment to advancing the profession exemplify the spirit of the Distinguished Recent Alumna Award.

Community Service Award

Keeli Stith, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Dr. Keeli Stith is a highly respected healthcare executive whose leadership and dedication to service have made a profound impact across both clinical and community settings. As associate vice president of operations for OhioHealth’s Dublin Methodist Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital, she leads complex operational initiatives—including the $254 million Dublin Methodist expansion project, advancing patient care, organizational excellence and strategic growth.

Her commitment to community wellness is equally compelling. As a board member of the Dublin Food Pantry, she champions food-as-medicine initiatives and helps expand access to essential resources for vulnerable families. Dr. Stith is also a published scholar, national speaker and mentor dedicated to elevating future nurse leaders and promoting diversity and inclusion in healthcare. Her service to both community and profession exemplify the spirit of the Community Service Award.

Champion of Healthcare Award

Sally E. Betz, MS, BSN, PM-ANP, CCRN

Sally E. Betz is a pioneering trauma and flight nursing leader whose nearly four decades of service have elevated emergency and critical care across Ohio. One of the state’s earliest and most influential flight nurses, she has served in the MedFlight Rotor Division since 1988, shaping the field through exceptional clinical practice and the mentorship of generations of flight nurses, paramedics and first responders.

Her distinguished career at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center included leadership roles in critical care, emergency nursing, trauma coordination and systemwide preparedness efforts. A gifted educator and statewide leader, she has advanced trauma standards, registry systems and evidence-based practice through extensive committee work and outreach education. Her unwavering dedication to saving lives, building systems and empowering clinicians exemplifies the purpose of the Champion of Healthcare Award.

Mildred E. Newton Distinguished Educator Award

Sara M. Edwards, DNP, APRN-CNP, EBP-C

Dr. Sara M. Edwards is an exceptional nurse educator, clinician and scholar whose innovative teaching and global engagement reflect the legacy of Dr. Mildred E. Newton. As a clinical assistant professor of practice, she has led and redesigned key undergraduate courses, strengthened community health and telehealth curricula and advanced experiential learning through high impact simulations and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) partnerships, particularly with institutions in Norway.

Her Doctor of Nursing Practice project, the Healthy LifeStars^® LifeStar Challenge™, now implemented across multiple school districts, demonstrates her commitment to improving child health and community wellness. Dr. Edwards is a prolific emerging scholar and engaged mentor. She received the 2025 Undergraduate Educator of the Year award recognized by students for her excellence in teaching. Her leadership, compassion and educational innovation exemplify the spirit of the Mildred E. Newton Distinguished Educator Award.