AMHERST, N.Y. – Dr. Cheryl Nosek, professor and chair of nursing at Daemen College, has been named the 2018 Nurse of Distinction in Education by The Buffalo News and the Professional Nurses Association of Western New York.

Her award is among other Nurses of Distinction honorees recognized in celebration of National Nurses Week from May 6 to 12.

“We extend our sincerest congratulations to Dr. Nosek for this richly deserved honor,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “Her exemplary leadership and dedication to the advancement of nursing education has contributed to the career and professional success of countless Daemen nursing students.”

Nosek’s award will officially be presented at a ceremony taking place on June 5 in Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Award winners will each receive a plaque, $500 toward furthering their education at a professional conference of their choice, and a one-year Professional Nurses Association membership.

The awards honor RNs who have made outstanding contributions to the nursing profession, demonstrate leadership that provides a role model to inspire other nurses to improve, and participates in activities that foster a positive public image of nursing as a profession.

With more than 40 years of experience in the nursing profession, Nosek has taught for over three decades in nursing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She assumed the leadership role as chair of nursing at Daemen in 2016, having previously served as director of undergraduate nursing programs.

During her 16-year tenure at Daemen, Nosek has been actively involved in the development of new academic programs, including master’s degrees in nursing education and executive leadership. She specializes in mental health nursing and has been a consultant for the Western New York Office of Mental Health.

Nosek, a Lancaster resident, earned a doctor of nursing science and a master’s degree in community mental health nursing, both from the University at Buffalo, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Albany.