Cathy Snelson, associate lecturer in the College of Nursing, received the ATI Nurse’s Touch Award on Friday in front of her senior-level nursing class in Henderson Hall.

Snelson was one of four educators in nursing awarded the honor in the United States.

“I am very honored and humbled,” Snelson said. “I don’t do my job expecting [to] get awards; I just teach students the best I can.”

Speakers from the college spoke of how they have seen Snelson help students during her time at Kent State. Before Snelson received the award, faculty took the time to read some students’ comments from when the nominations were submitted.

“Cathy’s office serves as a trusted source of exceptional one-on-one tutoring for scared nursing students,” one of the nominating students said. Snelson was honored for expressing professional values to nursing students and for advancing leadership and communication skills for life to her students, according to a press release from ATI Nursing Education.

“Nurse Educators with the Nurse’s Touch” is an award that recognizes educators who excel at preparing their students for the real world of being a nurse practitioner. Snelson received a paid trip to Orlando, FL to attend the 2014 ATI National Nurse Educator Summit for professional development, according to the press release.

Once Snelson received the award, the classroom erupted in applause and smiles for her, and she said she is honored to be at Kent State to help the nursing students of the future.

Contact Robert Carroll at [email protected].