UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Laurie Badzek, dean of the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, received the Distinguished Colleague Award from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing Schools Association (PHENSA) at the organization’s fall meeting on Sept. 15 in Harrisburg.
The award recognizes outstanding leaders in nursing education who demonstrate a strong commitment to the advancement of baccalaureate and higher degree nursing programs and who inspire colleagues through innovation, advocacy and professional leadership.
Badzek has served as dean of the Nese College of Nursing since 2018. During her tenure, she has advanced nursing education at the college by securing significant philanthropic support, including the $27.1 million gift that resulted in the naming of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and additional multimillion-dollar support for scholarships and student success programs.
She also has helped develop and expand nursing programs, including Doctor of Nursing Practice program options in psychiatric-mental health, nurse anesthesia and nurse education, and led the college through its 2020 Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation cycle, resulting in a 10-year reaccreditation.
Additionally, Badzek has overseen investments in nursing education infrastructure across the college, including the renovation of the Nursing Sciences Building at University Park and expanded simulation and clinical learning spaces at a number of additional Penn State campuses. She has supported faculty development through professional development funding, innovation fellowships and mentoring, while also expanding wellness and resilience programming for students, faculty and staff.
“I am honored to be recognized by fellow leaders in nursing education in Pennsylvania,” Badzek said. “I share this award with our faculty, staff and donors, who have helped expand opportunities for nursing students across the commonwealth and provide the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Badzek was also recognized recently by the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL) as a nominee for its 2026 DAISY Nurse Leader of the Year Award. Badzek received special acknowledgment during the PONL annual conference, held Oct. 2 in Harrisburg.
Badzek holds a law degree and a master’s degree in nursing. An expert in nursing ethics and genomics, Badzek led revisions of the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses in 2000 and 2015 and is a founding member of the Global Genomics Nursing Alliance. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the National Academies of Practice and the Hastings Center. Her previous honors include the American Nurses Association Leadership in Nursing and Ethics Award and the International Society of Nurses in Genetics International Genomics Nursing Research Award.