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It may not surprise students, faculty and staff on the East Liverpool Campus that Angela Douglass was named a recipient of the 2026 Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award, but the announcement of the news was a big surprise to her. 

Co-sponsored by the �鶹����Ƶ State Alumni Association and the University Teaching Council, the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award is the university’s most prestigious honor in teaching. The award is presented annually to part- and full-time faculty members who demonstrate extraordinary teaching in the classroom and devotion to touching the lives of students. 

Currently a senior lecturer for the Associate Degree of Nursing program at �鶹����Ƶ State East Liverpool, Douglass began teaching here in 2003 and serves as the faculty advisor for the Student Nurses Association. In mid-October, her class was briefly interrupted when Scott McKinney, assistant vice president of Donor and Volunteer Engagement, walked into her nursing lab session and surprised her with the announcement.

Being surrounded by students was the perfect setting for Douglass to learn of this honor because the recognition is based on her commitment to students and her dedication to the nursing profession.

“Receiving the Distinguished Teaching Award means so much to me,” she said. “It is a moment of immense pride and a significant accomplishment that reflects my hard work, dedication and passion for teaching and nursing at �鶹����Ƶ State. I truly love what I do, and knowing that my commitment to my students is being recognized makes this honor especially meaningful.”

Douglass earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing from Youngstown State University in 1992, followed by a Master of Science Degree in nursing in 2003.

Douglass is a registered nurse and board certified as an adult clinical nurse specialist. She spent years working with dialysis patients in facilities in the Boardman/Youngstown area where she also worked as a charge nurse; patient education coordinator; and as a staff nurse on medical/surgical and telemetry units.

Her work with East Liverpool nursing students includes time in the classroom and labs, as well as community service projects. Each year, Douglass leads her students in outreach projects that include blood pressure screenings at community events, holiday toy drives and fundraising efforts to support nursing scholarships. She also works closely with the Student Nurses Association to plan each year’s pinning ceremony.

Student Support for Douglass

Last May, Douglass was named the Fulltime Faculty Member of the Year at the annual �鶹����Ƶ State East Liverpool awards ceremony. Her selection was strongly supported by student nominations that praised her teaching methods, enthusiasm, empathy and efforts to make students career-ready.

One student wrote: “…(Douglass) cares so much about every student and their well-being in and out of the classroom. …You will not find another professor that is as proud of her job, campus and students like this woman. And she is always so positive all the time. She always lifts us up and shows compassion and empathy.”

Likewise, student nominations for the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award serve as strong testimony for her effectiveness and the respect she has earned from those she teaches. Douglass was nominated by three students for this year’s award.

“(She) truly cares about her students’ success and goes above and beyond to support them,” stated one student. “…Her dedication and positive energy have made a meaningful impact on not only my life but many other students that have had the pleasure of having her as a teacher. She creates a supportive environment where students feel valued, motivated and confident in their abilities. … I will be forever grateful for having her as my instructor.”

The student continued by noting that Douglass challenges her students to think critically and to apply what they learn rather than simply memorizing information. “Her teaching style pushes students to connect concepts and develop clinical reasoning skills that are essential for nursing practice. Because of her guidance, students leave her class with not only knowledge, but also the confidence and ability to think independently and make informed decisions.”

Another student offered: “Before every exam, she has us all stand up and shout: ‘I WILL PASS THIS EXAM!’ She is so encouraging and boosts the energy in every room she enters. …(She) is consistently engaging our class in scenarios where we need to think critically like a nurse.”

Double Duty: teaching and nursing

“She is very respected by her peers and students,” noted Tara Murphy, academic program director for the ADN program at �鶹����Ƶ State East Liverpool. “She has a unique teaching style sharing clinical practice stories that apply to what students are learning and she is always hands-on in the lab when teaching new skills. We appreciate all of her hard work providing the students a great education.”

Douglass noted that her teaching style is rooted in enthusiasm, patience, compassion and a strong belief in lifelong learning. 

“I strive to create a supportive and encouraging learning environment where every student feels seen and supported,” she said. “I recognize that each student learns differently and I make it a priority to help students discover the learning strategies that work best for them.”

She calls nursing her passion.

“I find so much joy in sharing my love for this amazing profession and inspiring the next generation of nurses,” she said. “It is an honor to serve students; support them as they work toward their goals; and watch them grow into confident professionals. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is seeing former students work alongside me and even care for members of my own family.

“Today, having former students teaching nursing clinicals and labs with me at �鶹����Ƶ State is a full-circle moment that makes me incredibly proud. … I truly love what I do, and knowing that my commitment to my students is being recognized makes this honor especially meaningful.”  

Cutline A: (from left) �鶹����Ƶ State East Liverpool Dean Brad Bielski; ADN Program Director Tara Murphy; Natalie MacDonald, Zhane Armstrong, Angela Douglass, Jadyn Pidgeon, Sydney McNear, Libbie Davis and Chloe Ramsey.

Cutline B:  Scott McKinney (right) presented Angela Douglass with the 2026 Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.

Cutline C:  (from left) �鶹����Ƶ State East Liverpool Dean and CAO Brad Bielski, Ph.D.; Angela Douglass; Scott McKinney.