Lori Sprague wins Decker faculty engagement award

When asked to submit the name of a professor who consistently goes beyond what is expected, who generously shares time with students and who serves as an outstanding mentor and role model, students at Binghamton University’s Decker School of Nursing (DSON) overwhelmingly chose Clinical Assistant Professor Lori Sprague ’95, MS ’09, and awarded her the Faculty Engagement Award for 2017.

“Professor Sprague is dedicated to her students, despite finishing her own dissertation at Binghamton,” said Andrea Kaplan, senior and president of the Nursing Student Association (NSA). “We have her as a professor in class and simulation, as a clinical instructor in the hospitals and as a researcher in ITURP [interdisciplinary tobacco use research program]. In all fields, she is reachable and encouraging to students.”

During a recognition ceremony held May 3 in the University Union attended by Decker faculty, staff and students, Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger spoke about the meaning of the award and how important it is to have engaged professors. Next, DSON Dean Mario Ortiz read student comments from the nomination forms. Finally, Kaplan then presented a certificate of recognition and a $500 check to Sprague.

“I am honored and humbled to accept this award; it means so much,” said Sprague. “As I often tell my students, I am blessed to work with intelligent, motivated and caring students.”

Faculty Engagement Awards were established in 2016 to honor one faculty member from each school; the recipients of the awards are selected by students. Originally coordinated by the University’s Road Map Team, this year the NSA organized the DSON voting and arranged Sprague’s recognition ceremony.