Alumni Advisory Council

2020 Distinguished Alumna Award 

Dr. Terri Allison '85

Dean Gregg Newschwander presented the School of Nursing’s 2020 Distinguished Alumna Award to Dr. Terri Allison, a graduate from the Class of 1985, at the Virtual Pinning Ceremony held on August 7.

“As dean for 11 years, I have looked forward to presenting the Distinguished Alumni Award to one of our graduates. For me, it is a moment to reflect on the real extent a nursing education at Auburn can have in one’s life and the graduate’s impact in our world,” Newschwander said.

Terri Allison is, for the most part, an “SEC” nurse colleague. She holds the titles of associate professor of nursing, assistant dean for academics, and director of the Doctoral Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is also an acute care nurse practitioner with more than 30 years’ experience.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Auburn, Allison earned a master’s degree in nursing from Emory University, an acute care nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate from Vanderbilt University, and a DNP degree from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. In 2014, she was inducted as a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Three years later, she was named a Fellow, Leadership in Academic Nursing Program (LANP) by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Among her myriad of scholarly efforts and accomplishments, Allison has published or co-published chapters in books and articles in professional journals. In addition to organizing continuing education programs, she has made presentations locally and nationally. She participates in university service activities at Vanderbilt, as well as in the School of Nursing and with various organizations in her community of Hendersonville.

A nominator states, “Under Terri’s direction and leadership, Vanderbilt’s DNP program has become a top 5 Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Despite her status at Vanderbilt, Terri is an unapologetically proud Auburn University School of Nursing graduate! She was the most personable professor I have encountered in my academic journey. She has served our profession through her time with the Middle Tennessee Advanced Practice Nurses, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and Sigma Theta Tau International. She comes “home” as often as she can to attend Auburn University and School of Nursing events. She is a fierce advocate for high quality education. She is an excellent role model and an Auburn School of Nursing alumna.”

Congratulations to Terri Allison for her distinguished service to the nursing field through her scholarship, promotion of health care, professional service, and remarkable impact on nursing education and nursing practice.

Nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award are accepted throughout the year, and we invite you to submit a nomination. The annual recipient is selected by members of the alumni from the School of Nursing.