Dr. Lucy Marion is the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Service to NONPF Award, which was presented to her virtually during the National Organization of Nurse Practitioners Faculties annual conference’s business meeting April 23.

The Outstanding Service to NONPF Award is given to an individual who contributes to the advancement of NONPF’s mission. The individual supports NONPF by serving as a member or chair of a committee, participating in important activities, holding leadership in a prominent role, serving as a mentor and role model for new members and faculty, contributing to the growth of the organization, or volunteering for other NONPF activities.

The dean emerita of Augusta University’s College of Nursing was presented with the award for her continued promotion of the mission of NONPF. Marion, who is currently an adjunct professor, served as NONPF President from 2000-2002, and during her tenure, she launched the discussion and NONPF’s commitment to the Doctor of Nursing Practice as the entry degree for NP during her tenure.

“Dr. Marion’s contributions to NONPF are legendary. She has mentored and influenced many NP faculty during her career,” NONPF President Dr. Susan Kelly-Weeder said. “NONPF, as the leader of quality nurse practitioner education, provides timely and critical resources for NP educators. The work of members, such as Dr. Marion, advance innovative models that support NP educational programs to meet high quality standards.”

Marion is the NONPF co-facilitator of the National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education and the revision of the Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs. Kelly-Weeder said as a former president of NONPF and leader in NP education, Marion was the ideal person to represent NONPF on this project. Over the past two years, she has willingly dedicated her time and vision to revise this critical document that ensure quality in NP education.

“I was completely surprised, honored, and humbled,” said Marion, who retired as the longest serving dean in the 76-year history of the CON. “I retired, offered my services to NONPF, and did what I was asked to do. Each assignment is a privilege after retirement with its dramatic drop in activity. I had no idea that I would receive an award.”

Marion has been a member of the NONPF for almost 30 years. She said the nurse practitioner workforce was grown rapidly to meet pressing societal demands for health care for people of all ages and social determinants of health.

“The NP faculty members of NONPF, with the Board’s leadership and action, create and sustain the POWER of NONPF by serving their peers,” Marion said. “Members actually do most of the work and create the policies and procedures to drive quality NP education. The outstanding CEO, a doctoral NP, and excellent administrative staff give work groups support as needed. The conferences deliver current and futuristic information and tools and commit times for all-important serious and playful networking and peer support. This is why NONPF is so successful — meaningful, useful, powerful connections and communications among NP faculty dedicated to quality NP education!”