Nursing tutor M’Kenzee Smith from Ottawa has been honored with Illinois Valley Community College’s 2026 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award. Smith, known for her realistic and individualized approach to teaching, was celebrated alongside fellow nominees Mary Greve, Brent Hanson, and Morgan Myre during an employee recognition event on April 16th. With a background in hospice and palliative care nursing, Smith brings practical expertise to her students, aiming to bridge classroom theory with real-world application. Student Delaney Sheehan praised Smith for her support and dedication, crediting her teaching style for student success. Smith graduated from IVCC in 2012 and began teaching there in 2022.
Prior to her tutoring role, Smith worked as a clinical and lab instructor, balancing teaching with hands-on patient care as a hospice and palliative care nurse practitioner. Smith is highly qualified, holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice and multiple certifications.
“To be recognized is both humbling and rewarding. This award reflects the impact I hope to have on students and my goal of making learning relatable and realistic, so it has a lasting impact beyond the classroom,” Smith said.
“Making the connection between theory and practice is important because students will someday be my colleagues,” Smith said. Her realism-infused instruction provides examples that are intended so students “can think through situations the way they will practice them, not just to answer a test question. Ultimately, I hope to help students become thoughtful, confident nurses prepared to care for patients, support families, and continue growing throughout their careers.”
Student Delaney Sheehan was grateful in her nomination. “This professor is the main reason I am passing my nursing courses. She is truly amazing and provides such a safe place for learning. She applies every lesson to the hospital setting and always reminds us how we can be safe and caring, more than just a nurse.”