Congratulations! Florida educator earns Outstanding Alumni Award at CCC-Columbus > The Independent > News > Local

Caroline "Nikki" Campbell of Tampa, Fla., received the 2010 Outstanding Alumni Award during commencement activities May 7 at Central Community College-Columbus.

She received an associate of science degree in 1995 and a diploma in practical nursing in 1998 from the Columbus Campus. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont in 2001 and a master's degree in nursing from Drexel University in Philadelphia in 2009. She completed her certification in medical surgical nursing through the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.

Campbell has worked in both staff and charge nurse positions at several hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

She is now employed as an education specialist at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla., where she is involved in coordinating new simulation programs. These programs focus on the collaborative training of physicians and nurses. She also is a member of a focus group with the Florida Center for Nursing that is investigating the use of simulation technology in nursing education and in improving staff retention.

Her other memberships include Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing, International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, Society for Simulation in Healthcare, National Nursing Staff Development Organization, National League for Nursing, Cardinal Key Honor Society and Alpha Mu Gamma Honor Society. She also was listed in "Who's Who among American Colleges and Universities" and is an American Red Cross Volunteer.

She and her husband, Shawn, have two daughters.

Lori Hodtwalker of Columbus was named the CCC-Columbus Faculty Member of the Year during the ceremonies. The award is given annually to a Columbus Campus faculty member who displays excellence and innovation in teaching; rapport with students; and institutional, professional and community involvement.