The University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing’s JoAnn Crownover, DNP, RN, CNE, was recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators from the CU Nursing Alumni Association for her commitment to nursing excellence and education. Dr. Crownover is an associate professor of clinical teaching, primarily focusing on teaching the college’s undergraduate students. The college talked to her about what it means to her to be recognized with a DAISY Award.
Q: Were you surprised when you were honored with a DAISY Award?
A: I was 100% surprised. I had absolutely no idea that I had been nominated. I work alongside such tremendous, generous people, and to be recognized by one of them makes this so very special.
Q: What does this award mean to you?
A: It truly means so much to me. I am aware of how well-known and respected this award is within the nursing profession, and that makes it especially meaningful. I feel incredibly humbled and grateful to be recognized. Nursing education is work I am passionate about, and having that work acknowledged is truly an honor.
Q: You were nominated by Faculty Development Coordinator and Professor Dr. Gail Armstrong. She mentioned you’ve taught 20,000 students in your career. How does it feel knowing you’ve impacted so many future and current nurses?
A: That number is so hard for me to believe! I hope that I’ve helped students learn not just the science of nursing, but also the art of nursing: caring, empathy, advocacy, and truly seeing the person behind the patient. If I’ve helped even a small part of that journey for so many nurses, I feel incredibly grateful.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about teaching future nurses?
A: I absolutely love our students. They are deeply committed to learning and to joining the nursing profession. Nursing programs are incredibly competitive, and our students work hard just to get here, and once they’re here, they work even harder.
I teach one of their first clinical courses, Med Surg I, and it is such a joy to visit them in their clinical rotations. Almost every time, the students are beaming with pride. Seeing their growth, confidence, and excitement reminds me why I love what I do.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at CU Anschutz Nursing?
A: I work with an exceptional group of caring, dedicated faculty who all want our students to succeed. The faculty here work extremely hard to guide, coach, and support our students, and there is a true culture of caring and commitment to student success. The faculty at CU is incredible.
Q: Dr. Armstrong also mentioned that you mentor and coach early-career faculty. Why is it so important to have these types of relationships between faculty?
A: I truly love working with early-career faculty because I remember so clearly what those first years felt like when I transitioned from clinical practice to education. There is so much to learn, and it can be incredibly intimidating to stand in front of a classroom and realize how much responsibility you carry for your students.
When transitioning into academia, being a good nurse isn’t enough — teaching requires a completely different skill set, and that can feel overwhelming at first. I know how much supportive colleagues have made a difference for me, and I believe that having a trusted mentor can change everything for a novice educator. If I can be that source of support, reassurance, and encouragement for someone else, it is deeply meaningful to me. Supporting early-career faculty not only helps them grow in confidence but ultimately strengthens our students, our program, and the nursing profession as a whole.
If you are interested in nominating a student, an alum, or a faculty member for various awards or recognition, visit the CU Nursing Alumni Association Awards page.
