FSU Nursing Faculty Earn Prestigious Dr. Peg E. Daw Nurse Faculty Annual Recognition Award
Feb 17, 2026 9:00 AM
Frostburg State University proudly congratulates nursing faculty members Dr. Jill Buterbaugh and Dr. Jaime Striplin on being selected as recipients of the Dr. Peg E. Daw Nurse Faculty Annual Recognition (NFAR) Award, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence among nursing faculty across Maryland.
“The selection of Drs. Buterbaugh and Striplin for this award is a clear testament to their dedication to teaching excellence, their commitment to student success and the meaningful contributions they make to the nursing profession,” said FSU interim president Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD. “Their work reflects the highest standards of faculty engagement and educational leadership, and we are proud to have them represent FSU through this distinguished honor.”
The award was created to celebrate outstanding achievement in six areas of excellence in nursing education, including Excellence in Teaching, Impact on Students, Engagement in the Nursing Program and Institution, Innovation in Education and Technology, Contributions to Nursing Education and Fostering Diversity. Each recipient receives $10,000 to support continued professional growth and academic advancement.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award for Excellence in Teaching, and it reaffirms my commitment to advancing the education of nurses to a provider level to help increase community access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved areas,” said Dr. Buterbaugh. “I appreciate my peers who are an inspiration and continually support and collaborate with me to enhance the quality of the program and to Dr. Platt who nominated me and has helped me transition from a practicing clinician to an educator over the past 10 years.”
Dr. Striplin echoed those sentiments. “I am honored to receive the NFAR Award for my Impact on Students, which is truly shared with the extraordinary students I’ve had the privilege to learn alongside and with the mentors who guided and supported me along the way. Their example, encouragement and wisdom shaped the educator I strive to be.” Striplin continued, “This award reflects a collective commitment to growth, learning and community. I am thankful for being part of that journey.”
Through their leadership in the classroom, mentorship of students and commitment to advancing nursing education, both faculty members exemplify the values of Frostburg State University and the nursing profession.
FSU’s Department of Nursing is committed to preparing individuals to become professional and compassionate healthcare practitioners. This recognition highlights the significant impact Buterbaugh and Striplin have on their students, the University and the broader healthcare community.