Sharon Canclini, RN, MS, PHNA-BC, FCN, a beloved and dedicated professor of the public health nursing
course in Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at TCU, was honored with the prestigious Good Samaritan Foundation’s 2024 Excellence in Nursing Award. This accolade, which celebrates her outstanding contributions and impact in the
nursing profession, is a testament to her exemplary passion, leadership, mentorship
and service to Texas communities.
Her consistent practice of cultural humility, and ability to sit with and listen to community members using principles of appreciative inquiry offer powerful lessons to her students and ensure substantive and enduring change,” said Suzy Lockwood, Ph.D., associate dean for nursing and nurse anesthesia at TCU. “
Since August 1998, Canclini served as an assistant professor of professional practice at TCU, totaling nearly 26 years of inspiring and educating future nurses. Beyond the classroom, she mentored and supported students with innovative teaching methods that combined real-world experiences with academic learning, instilling responsibility and compassion in her nursing students.
Canclini’s dedication to public health expanded beyond TCU, championing community health initiatives and forging partnerships with local organizations to address critical public health issues.
Notably, she spearheaded a collaboration between TCU’s nursing program and Mansfield Independent School District in 2008 to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety for students, securing a Safe Routes to School grant to enhance infrastructure around Carol Holt Elementary School in Arlington.
Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the establishment and completion of the Marine Creek Trail extension in May 2024, promoting outdoor physical activity and community engagement. An endeavor that Canclini ensured was supported even through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout her tenure, Canclini actively contributed to health care initiatives at TCU, including organizing its annual campus-wide flu vaccination clinic, ensuring access to preventive health care for students and faculty. Her expertise was invaluable during the pandemic, leading the successful mobilization of mass vaccine clinics, drawing on over a decade of experience to implement effective methods for expediting vaccine delivery and limiting exposures.
Her involvement with the development of TCU’s Bebout Wellness Center for the Helping Professions exemplified her commitment to student wellness, where she advocated for comprehensive health care services that supported the holistic well-being of the student community.
Since 2011, Canclini has also served on the board of The Ladder Alliance, empowering at-risk women through essential job skills training and educational support.
Professor Canclini exemplifies the best of nursing and every element of excellence that the Good Samaritan Foundation seeks to recognize,” remarks Lockwood.
Sharon Canclini’s retirement is not just the end of a remarkable tenure at TCU but a celebration of her impactful career, now crowned with the Excellence in Nursing Award. Her legacy as a transformative educator, mentor and community health advocate will continue to inspire and influence future generations of nurses.
Her exceptional contributions to the field and her dedication to compassionate care exemplify the very best of the nursing profession, leaving an indelible mark on TCU, her students and the broader community.
The Excellence in Nursing Award recognizes nurses who excel in their fields. Nominated by their peers and reviewed by a distinguished selection committee, awardees are honored for providing extraordinary and compassionate care. Canclini’s commitment to her students and the field of nursing aligns with the Foundation’s mission to celebrate nurses who make a significant difference every day.