Diane
McCroskey
May 2026
Diane
McCroskey
,
D.Min, MSN-ED, CMSRN
Lincoln Memorial University, Caylor School of Nursing
Knoxville
,
TN
United States
Because of her mentorship, I feel more capable and more confident stepping into my future role as a nurse.
I am honored to nominate Dr. McCrosky for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators. She is truly one of a kind and the most inspiring instructor I have had the privilege of learning from during my time at Lincoln Memorial University. Dr. McCrosky’s passion for nursing is evident in everything she does. What sets her apart is not only her deep knowledge and clinical expertise, but the way she genuinely believes in her students. Even on the days when we doubt ourselves, she sees our potential. When I was facing challenges and questioning whether I could continue in the program, she took the time to speak with me, encourage me, and remind me of why I started. Because of her support and belief in me, I stayed. She is the reason I am still a student at LMU today.
She challenges us to think critically, grow professionally, and hold ourselves to the highest standards, always with kindness, patience, and encouragement. She has an incredible gift for explaining complex concepts in a clear and meaningful way. Difficult material becomes understandable, and more importantly, memorable. She doesn’t just teach us what we need to know for exams, she teaches us how to think, how to lead, and how to practice safely and compassionately. Dr. McCrosky prepares us not only to pass tests but to become confident, competent, and empathetic nurses. Her dedication to her students leaves a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom. Because of her mentorship, I feel more capable and more confident stepping into my future role as a nurse.
As a nursing student at Lincoln Memorial University who is deeply passionate about becoming a competent and compassionate nurse, I value educators who invest wholeheartedly in their students. Dr. McCrosky embodies strong leadership, excellence in education, and unwavering support. I am profoundly grateful for the knowledge, guidance, and inspiration she has poured into me and so many others. She is more than an educator; she is a mentor, an advocate, and a true example of what nursing leadership should look like. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly believe she deserves the DAISY Award.
She challenges us to think critically, grow professionally, and hold ourselves to the highest standards, always with kindness, patience, and encouragement. She has an incredible gift for explaining complex concepts in a clear and meaningful way. Difficult material becomes understandable, and more importantly, memorable. She doesn’t just teach us what we need to know for exams, she teaches us how to think, how to lead, and how to practice safely and compassionately. Dr. McCrosky prepares us not only to pass tests but to become confident, competent, and empathetic nurses. Her dedication to her students leaves a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom. Because of her mentorship, I feel more capable and more confident stepping into my future role as a nurse.
As a nursing student at Lincoln Memorial University who is deeply passionate about becoming a competent and compassionate nurse, I value educators who invest wholeheartedly in their students. Dr. McCrosky embodies strong leadership, excellence in education, and unwavering support. I am profoundly grateful for the knowledge, guidance, and inspiration she has poured into me and so many others. She is more than an educator; she is a mentor, an advocate, and a true example of what nursing leadership should look like. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly believe she deserves the DAISY Award.