Professor Wins Award for Nurse Practitioner Education

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties recognizes Marguerite Lawrence for excellence in nurse practitioner education and leadership

Key Highlights

• Marguerite Lawrence of Sacred Heart University earns national recognition from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties
• Award highlights excellence in nurse practitioner education, mentorship and leadership
• MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program emphasizes flexible, asynchronous learning and collaboration that prepares practice-ready, evidence-based nurse practitioners for today’s health care needs

Marguerite Lawrence, associate clinical professor and assistant program director for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, has received the Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Educator Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Lawrence joined Sacred Heart University three years ago as an associate clinical professor. She teaches courses in research and health assessment while helping lead the University’s FNP program.

Before transitioning to academia, she served as a nurse practitioner in the U.S. Army and later taught at the military’s medical school, bringing extensive clinical and leadership experience into the classroom.

Coming from a family of teachers, Lawrence said education has always been a part of her life. “My passion is nursing, and once I felt the calling for teaching, it was the best of both worlds,” she said.

Karen Daley, dean of the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing, praised Lawrence for her dedication to students and the profession. “Dr. Lawrence is an exceptional faculty member and expert clinician. Her varied and significant experiences have contributed greatly to the success of the FNP program,” Daley said. “This award is well deserved, and we are lucky to have her on our faculty team.”

Humbly responding to the national award, Lawrence said she credits the mentors, supervisors and students who have supported her throughout her career. “I stand on the shoulders of giants,” she said.

Lawrence also credited the strength of Sacred Heart’s MSN FNP program, emphasizing its collaborative, student-centered approach. She noted that the program’s flexible, asynchronous format not only supports students’ busy lives but also fosters meaningful peer connection—ultimately preparing graduates to become more confident and capable nurse practitioners.