For thirty years, Mount St. Joseph University has brought together the Greater Cincinnati community to recognize and honor outstanding nurses who go above and beyond to provide exceptional leadership.
Mount St. Joseph University, with 100 years of providing quality nursing education, has a rich heritage and commitment to preparing nursing leaders. We are proud to host the 31st Leadership in Nursing Awards Ceremony on October 21st, 2026, at the Drees Pavilion.
Four awards will be presented at the 2026 ceremony, along with leadership scholarships for nursing students.
2026 Leadership in Nursing Awards – Nomination Form
Please submit by August 14, 2026
Special thanks to the sponsors of this event:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
The Christ Hospital
TriHealth
The recipients for the 2025 leadership awards are:
2025 Leadership in Nursing Awards
Distinguished Nurse Administrator
Laura Flesch, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP
Vice President of Patient Services
Cincinnati Children’s
Distinguished Nurse Educator
Piper Coleman, MSN, MPH, RN, NPC-BC, CPN
Clinical Education Consultant
Cincinnati Children’s
Distinguished Nurse Researcher
Randi A. Bates, PhD, APRN-CNP
Assistant Professor
University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing
Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership
Megan Vasseur, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, NPD-BC
Director, Organizational Development and Education
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
2025 Nursing Student Award and Scholarship Winners
BSN Program Scholarship Winner:
Lainey Ryan
MSN-MAGELIN Program Scholarship
Winner: Blessing Bassey
DNP Program Scholarship Winner:
Erica Scarborough, MSN, RN
