‘Beyond the Bedside’: Great 100 Nurses Foundation Recognizes UWG Faculty for Transformative Teaching and Mentorship Share this page
Five University of West Georgia Tanner Health School of Nursing (THSON) faculty members – Drs. Kim Crawford, Kelly Dyar, Cindy Johnson, Katie Morales and Amy Yarbrough – have been named to the Great 100 Nurses Foundation’s list, marking the first time any nurse in Georgia has received the honor and underscoring UWG’s growing influence in shaping compassionate, skilled leaders in healthcare.
Their recognition reflects not only individual excellence but also the university’s deep commitment to mentoring, humanity-centered practice and preparing the next generation of nurses.
“I am so excited that the Great 100 Nurses is coming to Georgia,” said Dr. Imelda Reyes, THSON dean. “Its mission is to honor the extraordinary contributions of nurses who elevate the profession through their skill, compassion and unwavering commitment to those they serve. The fact that we have five faculty on the list for this inaugural celebration in Georgia really highlights the extraordinary accomplishments of our faculty. They bring that passion to the classroom and really elevate the experience for students at all levels.”
UWG News spoke with each honoree to discuss their humanity-centered practice, distinguished contributions to nursing and steadfast commitment to mentorship.
Dr. Kim Crawford:
Years as a nurse: 28
Years in nursing education: 22
Why did you become a nurse? When I was 13, my dad, a dentist, was treated for congestive heart failure. He explained how the heart worked, and when he was in the hospital, he printed off his ECG strip and walked me through what it meant. I was captivated. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with how the body works, paired with a deep desire to help people. It’s the same curiosity and compassion that still drives me today.
How does it feel to become a Great 100 Nurse? It's deeply humbling. Twenty-eight years into this profession – from bedside emergency nursing, to building nursing education programs in Ukraine, to teaching and mentoring the next generation at UWG – this recognition feels like an affirmation of a career built on service, mentorship and compassionate care. It’s also a shared honor. This award recognizes the people I've worked alongside just as much as it reflects me.
As one of the first nurses in Georgia ever honored by the Great 100 Nurses Foundation, what made UWG the right place for you to teach, lead and shape the next generation of nurses? UWG trains prelicensure and graduate nurses to practice evidence-based care, stay inquisitive and actively serve others – values that have guided my entire career (from mobile clinics in Kenya and Peru; disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina and the Bam, Iran earthquake; to building nursing education infrastructure in the Republic of Georgia). What’s kept me at UWG is the breadth of opportunity to put students in settings that matter and to mentor them through it directly. UWG doesn't just teach nursing theory – it hands students a front-row seat to the communities they'll serve, with faculty walking alongside them.
Dr. Kelly Dyar:
Years as a nurse: 36
Years in nursing education: 14
Why did you become a nurse? I became a nurse because I felt called to do so, much like a minister feels called to their vocation. Science courses were always interesting, especially anatomy and physiology. In my senior year of high school, I took a health occupations course, and my teacher showed me how understanding how bodies work could help me be a good nurse. It was the perfect fit for me.
How does it feel to become a Great 100 Nurse? Being designated as one of the great 100 nurses of Georgia is a bit overwhelming and intimidating. There are some amazing nurses in Georgia, so to receive this designation is humbling. I try to always do my job to the very best of my abilities, and to know the selection committee viewed me as one of the top 100 validates that my efforts are meaningful and worthwhile.
As one of the first nurses in Georgia ever honored by the Great 100 Nurses Foundation, what made UWG the right place for you to teach, lead and shape the next generation of nurses? UWG appealed to me because of the caring science philosophy that guides our programs and how we teach. This philosophy aligned well with my philosophy as a nurse and as a faculty member. As a product of the Tanner Health School of Nursing’s doctoral program, I experienced this caring philosophy when I was a student. Now, as faculty, I am able to use the same caring approaches many of the faculty displayed to me.
Dr. Cindy Johnson
Years as a nurse: 44
Years in nursing education: 16
Why did you become a nurse? I became a nurse because I wanted a career that combined knowledge, compassion and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Nursing has allowed me to care for people during some of their most vulnerable moments while continually learning and growing as a professional. As my career developed, I also discovered a passion for mentoring and preparing future nurses to provide safe, skilled and compassionate care.
How does it feel to become a Great 100 Nurse? Being recognized is both humbling and deeply meaningful. This honor reflects not only my work but also the influence of the patients, students, colleagues and mentors who have shaped my journey. I am especially proud to be among the first nurses in Georgia recognized by the Great 100 Nurses Foundation and to represent nursing education and UWG.
As one of the first nurses in Georgia ever honored by the Great 100 Nurses Foundation, what made UWG the right place for you to teach, lead and shape the next generation of nurses? UWG was the right place for me because of its strong commitment to students, innovation and service to the communities of West Georgia. It’s given me the opportunity to bring together my clinical experience, passion for teaching, and leadership in simulation and experiential learning. At UWG, I can help create learning experiences that build students’ confidence, clinical judgment and readiness for practice while mentoring them to become skilled, compassionate nurses and future leaders.
Dr. Katie Morales
Years as a nurse: 41
Years in nursing education: 15
Why did you become a nurse? I started as a music major and then thought, “They take this too seriously. No one’s life depends on this.” I changed my major. I thought if I could say I saved one life I would be able to look back on my career and feel like I made a difference.
How does it feel to become a Great 100 Nurse? This is a great honor and truly a privilege to share with my colleagues. UWG has 5 percent of the top 100 nurses!
As one of the first nurses in Georgia ever honored by the Great 100 Nurses Foundation, what made UWG the right place for you to teach, lead and shape the next generation of nurses? I am so impressed with the resources and opportunity afforded to me. The university has resources to support me as a scholar and educator and allows me opportunities to serve at the THSON, UWG, the University System of Georgia and global levels. As I look back on my career in Georgia, I am truly humbled at the amazing journey it has been. I dropped out of high school and started college long before there was dual enrollment. I graduated from nursing school at 20. I am now a doctorally prepared full professor and associate dean. How exciting it is to be part of a profession where I can continually evolve as a nurse and educator after 41 years!
Dr. Amy Yarbrough
Years as a nurse: 23
Years in nursing education: 14
Why did you become a nurse? Because it’s a calling that challenges you to lead and learn daily. My experiences caring for patients and as a clinical instructor inspired me to pursue education, and today, as an educator, I can extend my impact beyond the bedside by preparing the next generation of nurses and academic nurse educators.
How does it feel to become a Great 100 Nurse? It’s humbling and incredibly meaningful. Nursing has been my passion since I began my career in 2003, and throughout that journey I have been fortunate to care for patients, mentor colleagues and educate future nurses. This recognition also reflects the support, encouragement and inspiration I’ve received from patients, students, faculty members and professionals. I’m honored to be recognized among so many outstanding nurses who are committed to excellence, compassion, leadership and service.
As one of the first nurses in Georgia ever honored by the Great 100 Nurses Foundation, what made UWG the right place for you to teach, lead and shape the next generation of nurses? UWG has been an important part of my professional journey. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Education from UWG in 2019, which gave me a deep appreciation for the university’s commitment to student success, innovation and community engagement. When I joined the faculty, I found an environment that values meaningful relationships, academic excellence and preparing nurses to meet the evolving needs of healthcare. UWG allows me to combine my clinical and academic experience with my passion for teaching and mentorship. The greatest reward is helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed to be excellent nurses and educators alongside the confidence, compassion and leadership qualities that will enable them to make a lasting impact on their communities.