May 2026 Honoree
Tara Hommelson, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, CNE
Dr. Tara Hommelson has had an extraordinary impact on the lives of her students through her unwavering support, compassion, and encouragement. For many students, she has been far more than an educator—a steady source of hope, strength, and grace during some of the most difficult seasons of their lives.
From the very beginning of graduate school, Dr. Hommelson consistently demonstrated genuine care for her students both academically and personally. She devoted her time and energy to helping students succeed by offering guidance with coursework, connecting them with helpful resources, and providing reassurance whenever challenges arose. No matter the obstacle, students knew they could count on her support, encouragement, and compassionate presence.
One student shared that after losing her father to COVID-19, she felt overwhelmed with grief and doubted whether she could continue her education. During that difficult season, Dr. Hommelson met with her several times, prayed with her, and continually reminded her that she was capable of succeeding. Even when the student no longer believed in herself, Dr. Hommelson never stopped believing in her. Her words of encouragement, faith, and genuine compassion gave the student the strength to persevere and continue pursuing her degree.
Dr. Hommelson’s care for students extends far beyond academics. She walks alongside her students through personal hardships, health struggles, and moments of uncertainty with patience and grace. One student described her as “a true blessing” whose kindness and support carried her through graduate school. Another reflected on how Dr. Hommelson “emits light and hope,” encouraging students to keep moving forward even in the darkest moments.
What makes Dr. Hommelson especially deserving of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award is the way she lives out her passion for students every single day. She often says that her students are her passion, and her actions consistently prove it. She leads with compassion, faith, and selflessness, creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through her dedication and Christ-centered encouragement, she has made a lasting impact not only on her students’ education but also on their lives.
Dr. Hommelson truly embodies the heart of nursing education and represents the very qualities celebrated by the DAISY Nurse Educator Award.
From the very beginning of graduate school, Dr. Hommelson consistently demonstrated genuine care for her students both academically and personally. She devoted her time and energy to helping students succeed by offering guidance with coursework, connecting them with helpful resources, and providing reassurance whenever challenges arose. No matter the obstacle, students knew they could count on her support, encouragement, and compassionate presence.
One student shared that after losing her father to COVID-19, she felt overwhelmed with grief and doubted whether she could continue her education. During that difficult season, Dr. Hommelson met with her several times, prayed with her, and continually reminded her that she was capable of succeeding. Even when the student no longer believed in herself, Dr. Hommelson never stopped believing in her. Her words of encouragement, faith, and genuine compassion gave the student the strength to persevere and continue pursuing her degree.
Dr. Hommelson’s care for students extends far beyond academics. She walks alongside her students through personal hardships, health struggles, and moments of uncertainty with patience and grace. One student described her as “a true blessing” whose kindness and support carried her through graduate school. Another reflected on how Dr. Hommelson “emits light and hope,” encouraging students to keep moving forward even in the darkest moments.
What makes Dr. Hommelson especially deserving of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award is the way she lives out her passion for students every single day. She often says that her students are her passion, and her actions consistently prove it. She leads with compassion, faith, and selflessness, creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through her dedication and Christ-centered encouragement, she has made a lasting impact not only on her students’ education but also on their lives.
Dr. Hommelson truly embodies the heart of nursing education and represents the very qualities celebrated by the DAISY Nurse Educator Award.
Thank you, Tara, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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