Kelli K
Valdivieso
December 2025
Kelli K
Valdivieso
,
MSN, RN, CRN
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver
,
CO
United States
It is with great admiration and gratitude that I recognize Kelli Valdivieso, an extraordinary nurse educator at MSU Denver. Kelli exemplifies everything this recognition stands for: dedication, compassion, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to the next generation of nurses.
Kelli devotes countless hours, well beyond the call of duty, to ensure all students not only succeed academically but also grow towards becoming compassionate, capable, and professional nurses. Her passion for nursing shines through her ongoing work as an Interventional Radiology nurse, where she stays profoundly connected to current, evidence-based, and real-world clinical practices.
Kelli brings these experiences into the Skills Lab, transforming theory into meaningful, hands-on learning. Kelli consistently reminds her students that nursing is far more than tasks or technology; it is a profession rooted in knowledge, caring, and professionalism.
Her enthusiasm for lifelong learning is contagious; she models intellectual curiosity and seeks out interprofessional learning opportunities that broaden her students’ perspectives and collaboration skills.
As a colleague, Kelli is the heart of our academic team. She is supportive, innovative, and inspiring. She lifts others up, challenges them to think critically, and embodies the spirit of excellence that defines MSU Denver’s nursing faculty.
There is truly no one more deserving of the DAISY Faculty Award than Kelli. Her passion for nursing education continues to leave an indelible mark on our students and the profession as a whole. Our program would not be the success it is without her.
Thank you, Kelli!
***
As Associate Interprofessional Director of the Nursing Skills Lab, Kelli embodies the spirit of nursing excellence, compassion, and mentorship that the DAISY Award celebrates.
Kelli consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each student develops not only technical competence, but also empathy and confidence. Under Kelli's leadership, the skills lab has transformed into a supportive and dynamic learning environment where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow as future nurses.
Whether arriving early to get the lab ready for the day or staying late to mentor a struggling student, Kelli never hesitates to give her time and expertise. Kelli's innovative teaching methods allow students to help gain the knowledge and confidence in skills that will be necessary in their careers as nurses.
Kelli models the heart of nursing and approaches every interaction with patience and kindness. It is an honor to work under Kelli in the nursing skills lab and to learn from her each day.
***
She consistently goes above and beyond for the skills lab, putting so much time and energy into it to make sure that it's at its best.
Kelli devotes countless hours, well beyond the call of duty, to ensure all students not only succeed academically but also grow towards becoming compassionate, capable, and professional nurses. Her passion for nursing shines through her ongoing work as an Interventional Radiology nurse, where she stays profoundly connected to current, evidence-based, and real-world clinical practices.
Kelli brings these experiences into the Skills Lab, transforming theory into meaningful, hands-on learning. Kelli consistently reminds her students that nursing is far more than tasks or technology; it is a profession rooted in knowledge, caring, and professionalism.
Her enthusiasm for lifelong learning is contagious; she models intellectual curiosity and seeks out interprofessional learning opportunities that broaden her students’ perspectives and collaboration skills.
As a colleague, Kelli is the heart of our academic team. She is supportive, innovative, and inspiring. She lifts others up, challenges them to think critically, and embodies the spirit of excellence that defines MSU Denver’s nursing faculty.
There is truly no one more deserving of the DAISY Faculty Award than Kelli. Her passion for nursing education continues to leave an indelible mark on our students and the profession as a whole. Our program would not be the success it is without her.
Thank you, Kelli!
***
As Associate Interprofessional Director of the Nursing Skills Lab, Kelli embodies the spirit of nursing excellence, compassion, and mentorship that the DAISY Award celebrates.
Kelli consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each student develops not only technical competence, but also empathy and confidence. Under Kelli's leadership, the skills lab has transformed into a supportive and dynamic learning environment where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow as future nurses.
Whether arriving early to get the lab ready for the day or staying late to mentor a struggling student, Kelli never hesitates to give her time and expertise. Kelli's innovative teaching methods allow students to help gain the knowledge and confidence in skills that will be necessary in their careers as nurses.
Kelli models the heart of nursing and approaches every interaction with patience and kindness. It is an honor to work under Kelli in the nursing skills lab and to learn from her each day.
***
She consistently goes above and beyond for the skills lab, putting so much time and energy into it to make sure that it's at its best.