Methodist College is proud to announce the 2025 honorees of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty and the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students. Each year, these awards—presented in partnership with the DAISY Foundation—recognize exemplary nursing faculty and students who embody compassionate care, clinical excellence, and a commitment to advancing the nursing profession.
Rooted in gratitude for the difference nurses make every day, the DAISY Foundation established these awards to ensure that nurses and future nurses know how deeply valued they are for the skill, integrity, and empathy they bring to their work. This year’s recipients truly embody those ideals.
2025 DAISY Nursing Faculty Award Recipient:
Mary Willis, MSN, RN
This year’s DAISY Nursing Faculty Award honors Professor Mary Willis, a remarkable educator whose presence at Methodist College sets the tone for students beginning their journey into nursing.
Throughout her nomination, Professor Willis was described as a nurse educator whose character and values reflect the legacy of Florence Nightingale—an individual whose blend of compassion, professionalism, and integrity inspires everyone around her. She is known for:
- Exemplary teaching and leadership, rooted in ethical practice and genuine compassion.
- Modeling holistic care with every interaction—whether with students, colleagues, patients, or families.
- Creating an environment of trust, safety, and professionalism in classrooms, hallways, and clinical settings.
- Supporting students in their early development as future nurses by teaching not only the “how” of nursing, but the “why.”
- Demonstrating unwavering dedication in collaborative work, committees, and college initiatives.
As one colleague shared, “In my opinion she is our own version of ‘Flo’ at Methodist College as she lifts others up, inspires growth, and teaches not only the science of nursing but the art of compassionate care.”
Professor Willis’s influence on the nursing program is profound. Students feel understood, encouraged, and challenged to grow under her guidance. Her reliability, professionalism, and servant‑hearted leadership make her an outstanding role model for both students and fellow faculty.
2025 DAISY Nursing Student Award Recipient:
Sydney Webb, BSN ’25
Methodist College proudly recognizes Sydney Webb as the recipient of the 2025 DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students.
Sydney is celebrated for her exceptional character, academic excellence, and deep commitment to serving both the campus community and the nursing profession. As a student, Sydney consistently demonstrated:
- Compassion, professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of her work.
- Natural leadership abilities, uplifting peers and serving as a role model.
- Engagement in nearly every corner of campus life—including roles as Student Worker, SGA President, SNA President, campus tour guide, and event leader.
- A strong desire to learn and care for complex patients in clinical settings.
- Initiative and dedication, including preparing for specialty nurse residency interviews by seeking feedback and practicing mock interviews.
- A passion for connecting other students with leadership and service opportunities.
Faculty describe Sydney as “the best type of advertisement for our college”—a student whose positivity, involvement, and professionalism enhance the culture and spirit of Methodist College.
Her leadership extended beyond the classroom: she contributed to the college’s 125th celebration, served as a student speaker at key events, and inspired incoming students from the moment they stepped on campus.
Sydney graduated from Methodist College in December 2025 and began her nursing career at Methodist Hospital in January 2026. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her impact will continue to shape the campus for years to come.
