Northern Michigan University Executive Secretary Luanne Thurston is one of nine recipients of NMU's 2022 Excellence in Service awards. She was a member of the School of Nursing (SON) administrative team during the last academic year and helped to design a "virtual resource room" and created a PDF with easy-to-navigate links for the site visitors.
The SON received top markings in all required areas evaluated and has received many compliments from the visitors on the organization of the materials.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the SON had a 10-year accreditation self study and virtual visit during Fall 2021. This was the first time they had experienced a "virtual" visit and Thurston pioneered her way through it with hard work and determination.
Although NMU has successfully completed the 10-year site visit for the BSN and DNP programs, this Fall 2022 the visitors will be back to evaluate the new MSN program. Thurston continues to help with efforts to ensure this visit will also go smoothly and successfully.
She has also been very concerned about the mental health of NMU students and brought forth the idea of a "hopping to spring" theme with weeklong activities, prizes and food items for the student nurses. After this activity, there was a palpable increase in student energy and enthusiasm.
Thurston is very student-centric and always points out potential problems and concerns before they develop. During the pandemic, she carefully monitored student schedules and worked tirelessly to try to move students into the clinics of their choice. This requires a great deal of extra patience and endurance, especially at a time wherein faculty and clinic sites are overwhelmed.
She goes above and beyond to help with special requests. For that, Northern Michigan University is proud to have her on staff.