Grant McNall, MSN, RN

I would like to recognize Grant McNall for the DAISY Faculty Award at Saint Anthony College of Nursing for his outstanding dedication to the principle of Christian Social Justice: Solidarity, one of the foundational values of our college.

Since joining the College, I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to students, faculty collaboration, and academic excellence. Grant not only fulfills his role as a faculty member but lives out the mission and values of Saint Anthony College of Nursing in meaningful and measurable ways. His dedication to strengthening our academic community demonstrates a deep and ongoing commitment to the success and reputation of the College.

The principle of Solidarity calls us to recognize that we are one human family and to actively foster unity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Grant embodies this principle in both word and action.

From my earliest days at Saint Anthony College of Nursing, he intentionally cultivated a sense of welcome and collegial belonging. He consistently takes time to check in, not merely as a courtesy, but as a genuine investment in building a strong professional community and supporting the success of those around him.

When I first joined the OSF Organization, Grant patiently answered many of my questions and helped me navigate the “ways” of the college and its surrounding community. Through his guidance and openness, I felt supported, valued, and confident as a new member of the faculty. His actions reflect a deep commitment to fostering an environment where collaboration, mentorship, and shared purpose allow both colleagues and students to thrive.

Grant thoughtfully communicates concerns about students who may benefit from additional guidance, remediation, or test-taking strategies, ensuring they receive timely and holistic support. His approach reflects a belief that student success is a collective responsibility. He does not allow students to struggle in isolation but instead collaborates with colleagues to create pathways for improvement and confidence-building.

This proactive and compassionate approach not only supports individual student success but also strengthens the overall learning environment at Saint Anthony College of Nursing. His commitment to early intervention and collaborative support fosters resilience, accountability, and a culture of shared responsibility among both students and faculty.

His leadership in faculty development further exemplifies Solidarity. Through presentations during faculty meetings, addressing generational differences, diverse learning styles, and personality frameworks, he has strengthened our collective understanding of today’s nursing students. In a workforce composed of multiple generations, each with distinct values, communication preferences, and expectations, his work has been instrumental in bridging gaps between faculty and students.

Most recently, his presentation on belonging challenged us to reflect on how our teaching practices either enhance or hinder students’ sense of inclusion. His advocacy for belonging reflects a profound commitment to cultivating a learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

Grant models professionalism, compassion, and integrity in his interactions with faculty, staff, and students, distinguishing him as a Role Model. By inviting me to observe his Psychiatric Simulation experience during my first semester at the college, he demonstrated openness, mentorship, and a desire to elevate collective teaching excellence across the College.

He consistently demonstrates great teaching skills and is enthusiastic about teaching. Students have stated his Psychiatric Nursing lectures are dynamic and thoughtfully structured. Students report leaving class with a deeper understanding of mental health disorders, therapeutic communication, and clinical reasoning. His enthusiasm for psychiatric nursing is evident and infectious, fostering both engagement and confidence among learners.

Feedback from former students highlights the enduring value of Grant’s teaching as they transition into practice. Many have shared that his Psychiatric Nursing and Pathopharmacology courses made learning both engaging and enjoyable, fostering a genuine desire to attend and participate. More importantly, they credit his instruction with preparing them for the realities of nursing practice, emphasizing that the knowledge and critical thinking skills he taught are directly applicable to the patient care environments in which they now work.

Grant consistently Respects Learners. He meets students where they are, honoring their individuality and lived experiences. His approach fosters psychological safety and academic confidence, particularly vital in the emotionally nuanced field of psychiatric nursing.

Grant has had an inspirational influence on the students he teaches. Current and former students often speak to the meaningful influence he has had on their growth as learners and emerging professionals. They describe leaving his courses with a strong sense of preparedness, adaptability, and confidence as they transition into the demands of professional nursing practice.

Grant continuously demonstrates Leadership. He consistently steps forward to lead meaningful discussions at faculty meetings, addressing complex topics such as generational diversity and personality differences. His leadership extends beyond content delivery; he challenges faculty to reflect, adapt, and grow in order to meet the evolving needs of our learners and strengthen our academic programs.

By incorporating discussions of introversion, extroversion, and other personality traits into faculty development, he reinforces the importance of understanding the whole learner.

In closing, Grant's influence extends far beyond the classroom environment. He strengthens the culture of Saint Anthony College of Nursing through intentional mentorship, collaborative leadership, and a steadfast commitment to student success. His consistent investment in both students and colleagues fosters a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented academic community.

Through his dedication, he not only enhances individual learning experiences but also contributes to the ongoing advancement and excellence of the College as a whole. His work reflects the true spirit of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award, honoring educators whose dedication and inspirational influence shape not only competent nurses, but compassionate professionals prepared to meet the complexities of modern healthcare.

Grant’s impact is lasting, extending into the practice settings where his former students continue to provide safe, thoughtful, and patient-centered care. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend Grant McNall for this distinguished recognition.