Joyce Victor, associate professor of nursing, received the Carpenter Award for Teaching. The award, considered Wilkes’ highest honor for teaching, recognizes an outstanding member of the faculty and includes a $1,000 award and a plaque. The awardee is nominated by their colleagues.
Deborah Zbegner, dean of the College of Health and Education, noted in Victor’s nomination, “Her passion for teaching, commitment to student success and contributions to the broader academic community makes her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious recognition.”
Victor has experienced campus life at Wilkes as both a student and a faculty member. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, as well as a master’s in health administration and a master of arts degree and master of fine arts degree in creative writing. She went on to earn her PhD in nursing from Duquesne University.
In 2004, Victor began her career at Wilkes as the director of the Nursing Learning Resource Center, transforming the center into one of the pioneers of simulation-based education. She joined the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning and the Society for Simulation in Health Care. Victor became a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator-Advanced. She also served on the subcommittee responsible for writing the Standards of Best Practice in Simulation Design.
Victor became an assistant professor in 2014, earning tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2020. She’s known for her innovative and engaging approach to teaching, adapting teaching methods for diverse learning styles and incorporating creative learning strategies including patho plays, reflective journals and art gallery grand rounds. Victor serves the Passan School of Nursing with her talent for curriculum development in both the traditional and the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing programs. She also maintains a high level of scholarship with posters, presentations and publications.
“Joyce Victor has helped to shape the next generation of nurses at Wilkes since 2004,” said David M. Ward, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Her dedication to our students and commitment to simulation-based education ensure that our nursing graduates will begin their careers with an exceptional level of preparation and with her fine example of the ideal health care professional.”
Victor, who has admired the phenomenal faculty recognized before her, was pleasantly surprised by the honor. “To me, it’s right up there with when I got tenure,” she said. “It makes me feel like I’m on the right track.”
