Washtenaw Community College nursing faculty member DeAnna Gapp was recognized with an Outstanding Educator Award at the annual TRENDS in Occupational Studies Conference, held October 28-30 at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in Muskegon.
Presented by the Michigan Occupational Deans Advisory Council, the award recognizes community college faculty members who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, professional achievements and service to their institutions beyond their teaching responsibilities.
Gapp was nominated for her innovative teaching strategies, contributions to nursing education and commitment to student success.
Among her creative approaches to teaching is the use of TikTok as an active learning strategy, encouraging nursing students to apply classroom concepts and strengthen critical thinking skills through a platform familiar to them.
Gapp has also explored the use of artificial intelligence in nursing education, sharing her research and insights with colleagues through presentations, publications and faculty development activities.
Her presentation, "TikTok as an Active Learning Strategy," was accepted at the National League for Nursing Education Summit, and her article, "Artificial Intelligence: Reshaping Nursing Lectures," was published in the professional journal Nurse Educator.
That work also led to a companion video, a podcast invitation and a collaboration with nationally recognized nursing educator Dr. Marilynn Oermann.
Gapp's professional contributions have also earned her an appointment to the National League for Nursing Centers of Excellence Review Panel through 2027.
In her nomination of Gapp, fellow WCC nursing faculty member Shari Lambert highlighted Gapp's willingness to explore new approaches to teaching and share what she learns with colleagues.
Beyond the classroom, Gapp supports faculty development initiatives, participates in the college's Free College Week activities and helps introduce middle school students to healthcare careers through community outreach programs.
Her contributions reflect the award's emphasis on faculty members whose dedication to education extends beyond their own classrooms.
Tags: Awards, Nursing, Occupational Education, Outstanding Educator Award