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CLARKSTON, Ga. - Nancy Williams, assistant professor of nursing at Georgia State University Perimeter College, was named the recipient of the college’s inaugural DAISY Award® in spring 2026. The DAISY Award, based on the acronym Diseases Attacking the Immune System, is a recognition program that celebrates and shows gratitude to nurses for the care and compassion they provide to patients.
Williams, a lifelong nurse educator, was nominated by nursing students taking Advanced Concepts in Nursing, their final course at Perimeter College before earning an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The course prepares students for the challenges and rewards of the profession and addresses questions before they embark on their new careers.
“My students are exceptional,” Williams said during a recent interview. Clearly, her students think the same of her, as reflected in their nomination comments.
“I’m nominating Professor Nancy Williams as a way to honor her outstanding impact on my journey to becoming a nurse, “one student wrote. “Throughout my time in the program, she consistently demonstrated not only clinical expertise, but also a genuine commitment to student growth and success. Her passion for nursing, dedication to teaching and ability to connect with students have left a lasting impression on me.”
Another student said, “What makes Professor Williams exceptional is her ability to see potential in her students, even when we struggle to see it in ourselves. She motivates us to become not just competent nurses, but compassionate, competent professionals.”
Williams, a Troy University graduate, has held many positions, including emergency room, intensive care unit and home health nurse. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1998 and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 2014, before joining the faculty of Perimeter College. For 17 years, she served as an Army medic, rising in rank from staff sergeant to captain after obtaining her nursing degree.
Reflecting on her long-standing, successful career, she credits her faith and commitment to providing quality patient care as key factors for keeping her passionately engaged. “I believe nursing is the most respected of all the healthcare professions,” she said. Williams consistently instills this passion in her students, challenging them to “think big,” as they embark on their own nursing journey.
Students graduating with an ASN at Perimeter College are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the nationwide exam necessary to obtain a nursing license. Perimeter College boasts a consistent 100 percent pass rate for the approximately 90 graduates of the program each year, according to Contessar Maddox, Assistant Professor and ASN Program Director.
Maddox was interested in bringing more recognition to the nursing faculty and recommended bringing the global DAISY Award to the college. She expressed pride in this year’s inaugural award winner. Today, thousands of facilities and schools of nursing worldwide are committed to honoring nurses with the DAISY Award. Maddox looks forward to continuing the DAISY Award on an annual basis, providing a pathway for faculty and students to nominate and select deserving faculty members.
“The global impact of our nursing program is unique,” said Maddox. “Our program is one of the best in the country, attracting international students from Canada, Australia, India and beyond, many of whom return to their native country to provide invaluable services to their communities.”
For more information about the Perimeter College Associate of Science degree in Nursing, visit here.
For more information about the DAISY Foundation, visit here.
DAISY is an evidence-based form of meaningful recognition. Its success spans more than two decades and has been featured in research studies for effective nurse recognition within healthcare organizations. The strategic impact of these programs on nurses and their organizations is deep and has a positive effect on their job satisfaction, retention rate, teamwork, pride, organizational culture and work environment.
Story by Barbara Obrentz
Photo by Bill Roa