The DAISY Foundation, as part of its service to the nursing profession’s role in patient care, established The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty (includes clinical teaching staff as well). The purpose of this program is to provide to colleges/schools of nursing a national recognition program they may use to demonstrate appreciation to teachers for their commitment and inspirational influence on their students. The Foundation hopes that, in some way, this program will contribute to a positive work environment for faculty in schools.
The following faculty and staff members are receiving this year’s DAISY Award.
Christopher Peters
UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing
Milwaukee, WI
United States
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Nursing proudly celebrates Dr. Christopher Peters, Assistant Professor, as one of the recipients of the 2024–2025 DAISY Award.
Dr. Peters was nominated by multiple students and colleagues who commended his tireless dedication to fostering student growth, building inclusive learning environments, and advancing nursing research. From guiding PhD students through rigorous research projects to mentoring future nurse leaders, Dr. Peters has demonstrated unwavering support for academic development and professional integrity. His impactful work on nursing malpractice, licensure discipline, and ethics not only drives scholarly inquiry but also shapes future nursing curricula. His students praise his ability to provide clear, thoughtful feedback and create an authentic, respectful atmosphere where learning is both challenging and meaningful.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Peters serves as Vice President of the Eta Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau and actively leads interdisciplinary research teams. His leadership, innovation in educational technology, and contributions to teaching development have earned recognition across the university system. Whether mentoring first-year PhD students or leading faculty workshops, Dr. Peters exemplifies the core values of the DAISY Award. We are proud to honor him for his sustained excellence and inspirational influence on the next generation of nurses.
Justin Ojala
UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing
Milwaukee, WI
United States
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Nursing proudly congratulates Justin Ojala, Clinical Instructor, on being named a 2024–2025 DAISY Award recipient. Known for his extraordinary commitment to student learning and compassionate instruction, Justin has made a lasting impact in the Emergency Room clinical setting—one of the most fast-paced and challenging environments in healthcare.
From the very first day, Justin’s students describe him as a supportive and patient mentor who brings professionalism, clarity, and warmth to high-pressure situations. His hands-on approach, consistent encouragement, and ability to break down complex clinical concepts have helped nursing students develop the critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills needed to thrive in any specialty. Students praise Justin not just for teaching technical skills, but for modeling what it means to be a truly great nurse. His leadership and mentorship extend far beyond the ER, shaping the confidence and competence of future nurses across disciplines.