WKU News

Dr. Liz Sturgeon is the 2025 Kentucky Nurses Association Nurse of the Year, one of the most prestigious honors in Kentucky nursing.

The award is presented annually by the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) to recognize a nurse who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism in the field. Dr. Sturgeon was honored during the KNA Legacy and Leadership Gala on Thursday, November 13^th, in Louisville, KY.

Dr. Sturgeon’s nomination described her as a phenomenal nurse whose contributions have made a significant and lasting impact in Kentucky. The selection process is highly competitive, and she was recognized for being an extraordinary nurse, leader, and role model.

Dr. Sturgeon is the director of the WKU School of Nursing and Allied Health in the College of Health and Human Services. She received ASN, BSN, and MSN (with an emphasis in Nursing Education) degrees from WKU. She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Kentucky.  She is recognized as a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) by the National League for Nursing. 

She is an active member of the American Nurses Association, the Kentucky Nurses Association, the Kentucky League for Nursing, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Her research interests include infection prevention, school nursing, occupational health, and nursing education.

Established in 1906, the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) is the only full-service professional organization representing the needs of 90,000 nurses in the Commonwealth. In addition to promoting the essential role of nurses in the healthcare delivery system, the KNA advocates for quality patient care in all settings. From the halls of Frankfort and state agencies to boardrooms, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, the KNA is the voice for the nursing profession throughout the Commonwealth. Learn more at www.kentucky-nurses.org.