Lynn Callister, a professor in Brigham Young University's College of Nursing, recently received the 2007 Distinguished Professional Service Award from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.
This award represents the highest honor bestowed by AWHONN and is given to a member of the association whose accomplishments and contributions exemplify a commitment to excellence.According to Jean Jackson, a spokesperson for the organization, “Dr. Callister personifies all the qualities of AWHONN’s most distinguished professional.”
Callister received the award at the AWHONN annual convention held in Florida in June 24, where thousands of fellow nurses gave her a standing ovation. “I was so touched to be honored by my colleagues,” Callister said. “It has been my privilege and honor to serve in the organization.”
Callister began teaching at BYU's College of Nursing in 1988.Her abilities as an educator led her to receive AWHONN’s Excellence in Education Award, as well as recognition from the Utah Nurses Association in 1994.She was selected as an exemplary teacher at BYU in 1998 and received a Sigma Theta Tau mentoring award in 2001.
Hercontributions through research and education have extended to many organizations and countries. She recently served as a Fulbright Scholar to the Russian Federation, helping improve perinatal services, and her work has taken her many other places around the globe, including Guatemala, Jordan, the People’s Republic of China and Finland.
Through her leadership in AWHONN’s research committee and her position on the editorial board of "Every Woman," an award-winning health magazine for women, she has established herself as a national and international leader in research on women’s experiences of childbirth.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AWHONN is a leader among the nation's nursing associations, serving more than 22,000 health care professionals in the U.S., Canada, and abroad.
“Since the association is made up of thousands of incredible, committed professionals, receiving its highest award offered was an amazing experience,” Callister said.
Writer: Paul V. Jones
