The Excellence in Leadership Award celebrates and recognizes nursing leaders who exemplify the values of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing and serve as role models for the enactment of the school’s vision to transform health care through nursing leadership, education and research.

2015 Excellence in Leadership Award winner: Carol A. Robinson

The 2015 recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis is Carol A. Robinson, the director of nursing and chief patient care services officer for UC Davis Medical Center. Under Robinson’s leadership, UC Davis Medical Center has distinguished itself as one of the best work environments for nurses in the United States.

2014 Excellence in Leadership Award winner: Brenda K. Zierler

The 2014 recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis is Brenda K. Zierler, professor of biobehavioral nursing and health systems at the University of Washington School of Nursing. Dr. Zierler is nationally recognized for her work examining education systems for health professionals.

2013 Excellence in Leadership Award winner: Linda Burnes Bolton

The 2013 recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis is Dr. Linda Burnes Bolton, vice president for nursing, chief nursing officer and director of nursing research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. As a nationally recognized nurse leader, Dr. Burnes Bolton clearly exemplifies the school’s vision and mission with her commitment to improve access to health care and advancing nursing practice.


2012 Excellence in Leadership Award winner: Susan B. Hassmiller

Susan B. Hassmiller

A nurse researcher who leads the nationwide nursing campaign to improve health care, Future of Nursing Campaign for Action leader Sue Hassmiller was awarded the 2012 Excellence in Leadership Award from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis Sept. 20 as part of the school’s annual ceremony to welcome new graduate students.

2011 Excellence in Leadership Award winner: Nancy Donaldson

An internationally recognized leader in nursing quality measurement, nurse staffing effectiveness and clinical patient safety, UCSF nursing professor Nancy Donaldson was awarded the 2011 Excellence in Leadership Award from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis Sept. 15 as part of the school’s annual ceremony to welcome new graduate students.

2010 Excellence in Leadership Award winner: Helen Thomson

The first-ever recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, Helen Thomson, a registered nurse and member of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, exemplifies the school’s vision and mission through her leadership and commitment to improving health policy, especially early mental health care and expanded health insurance for children.