The VCU School of Nursing honored four exceptional alumni during MCV Campus Reunion Weekend, April 3–4, recognizing their achievements in clinical practice, leadership, advocacy and research — a testament to the school’s ongoing commitment to advancing the future of nursing.

Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., interim dean of the school, opened the awards ceremony with praise for the honorees’ impact on the profession and communities they serve.

“I am pleased to recognize four outstanding alums and their excellence in practice, leadership, research and advocacy in nursing,” Kinser said. “As we list the achievements of the honorees, you will hear how our alumni are at the forefront of the nursing profession, providing compassionate and effective care to patients and communities, advocating for health care policies that improve outcomes, and leading innovative research that advances nursing practice.”

This year’s award recipients represent experience across nursing with careers spanning hospital safety and quality, rural health policy, labor and delivery, and integrative primary care.

“Congratulations to all of our alumni award winners,” Kinser said. “Our profession and communities are better and healthier because of your contributions, leadership and innovation. You truly exemplify the best of VCU School of Nursing.”

Outstanding Recent Alum Award

Nicole Ingram (B.S. ‘09, B.S. ‘15)

Ingram currently serves as a patient safety and quality consultant at VCU Health, and has been recognized as a leader in health care quality and safety. After starting her career in the Medical Respiratory ICU, she advanced through roles in hemodialysis and ambulatory oncology, ultimately stepping into clinical leadership. 

Ingram joined VCU’s Department of Quality and Safety in 2022 and now plays a key role in interdisciplinary education as part of the teaching team for a quality and safety course offered to nursing, pharmacy and medical students. Ingram is currently pursuing a master’s degree in health administration in the College of Health Professions.

Outstanding Nurse Service Award

Elizabeth Merwin, Ph.D. (M.S. ‘79, Ph.D. ‘88)

Merwin, a nationally recognized health services researcher and professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, has built a distinguished career focused on improving health outcomes for underserved populations. She is the founding and executive director of the university’s Center for Rural Health and Nursing.

Previously, Merwin served as executive vice dean at Duke University’s School of Nursing. She has also mentored numerous faculty and early-career researchers, helping shape the next generation of nursing scientists through her leadership and scholarship.

Outstanding Nurse Practice Award

Kristin Andrs (B.S. ‘97, M.S. ‘00)

Andrs, a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner and owner of Andrs Wellness, is recognized for her integrative approach to patient care. With a background in emergency medicine, surgery and chronic disease management, she combines conventional medicine with holistic practices.

A graduate of VCU’s nurse practitioner program, Andrs has completed extensive training in herbal medicine, environmental health and wellness coaching. Her practice emphasizes disease prevention and patient-centered treatment plans that bridge natural and traditional therapies.

Outstanding Nurse Alum Award

Jane Mendez (B.S. ‘70)

Mendez devoted 43 years to Labor and Delivery nursing at VCU, shaping the care of thousands of patients and mentoring generations of nurses. She contributed to clinical education through national programs like the Association for Women’s Health and Neonatal Nursing’s fetal monitoring initiative and played a key role in establishing VCU’s Nursing Clinical Ladder.

Well known for her bedside presence and unwavering support of both patients and colleagues, Mendez exemplifies compassionate care and professional excellence. Her influence continues to resonate across the VCU Health community and beyond.