Honoring Excellence: Meet CNPD’s 2026 Distinguished Service & Teaching Award Recipients

The University of North Dakota’s College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD) is proud to recognize two exceptional faculty members with the 2026 CNPD Distinguished Service & Teaching Awards.

The college is thrilled to announce that Stephanie Homstad, Clinical Assistant Professor, Social Work, has earned the 2026 CNPD Distinguished Service Award, and Kaitlyn Kelly Shikanai, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 CNPD Distinguished Teaching Award.

CNPD Distinguished Service Award Winner

Stephanie Homstad, Clinical Assistant Professor, Social Work

The CNPD Distinguished Academic Service Award is intended to recognize an individual who demonstrates a high-level of service within the department, college, university, and profession, including any leadership roles.

Stephanie Homstad is recognized for her outstanding service and leadership across the department, college, university, and profession. Her work is deeply rooted in addressing workforce shortages and advancing social justice, particularly through efforts to build a more culturally responsive child welfare workforce for North Dakota’s Tribal nations. Since 2018, she has supported nearly 40 students through the Child Welfare Stipend program while ensuring that students entering state child welfare agencies receive training in ICWA and cultural humility through NATI conference participation.

As Online Education Director, Homstad has expanded access to social work education for students across the U.S. and Canada, helping meet critical workforce needs in rural and underserved communities. She also coordinates continuing education unit (CEU) planning for the Department of Social Work, and assists with department CEU events.

During COVID-19 distruptions, and the semesters that followed, she took the lead in organizing and sustaining meaningful graduation ceremonies so students and families could still celebrate key milestones.

In addition to her teaching and program leadership, she serves on university committees and coordinates continuing education opportunities within the department. Known as a trusted problem-solver and dedicated colleague, she consistently goes above and beyond to support students, faculty, and the broader community.

CNPD Distinguished Academic Teaching Award Winner

Kaitlyn Kelly Shikanai, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing

The CNPD Distinguished Teaching Award is intended to recognize an individual who demonstrates excellence in teaching by integrating engaging teaching methods that produce high-quality student learning outcomes.

Kaitlyn Kelly Shikanai is recognized for her outstanding teaching in both classroom and clinical settings, where she brings complex nursing concepts to life through engaging, real-world learning experiences. Her ability to connect theory to practice, paired with thoughtful feedback and a student-centered approach, helps learners build strong clinical reasoning skills, confidence, and a commitment to safe, evidence-based care.

A leader in innovation, Professor Kelly Shikanai has advanced curriculum development through meaningful updates, including a redesign of the capstone quality improvement project to better align with practicum experiences and program outcomes. Her dedication to continuous improvement reflects a deep investment in student success.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Kelly Shikanai contributes extensively to faculty collaboration, program initiatives, and professional service at the department, college, university, and community levels. Her work demonstrates a sustained commitment to leadership, mentorship, and excellence in nursing education.

CNPD Distinguished Service & Teaching Faculty Awards Process

Nominations for the annual awards open February 1 and close March 1 each year. Recipients are selected by the College Distinguished Faculty Awards Review Committee, which includes three faculty members—one from Social Work, Nursing, and Nutrition & Dietetics—serving staggered two-year terms to ensure a consistent and balanced review process.