Penny Pollock, an instructor at Western Illinois University’s School of Nursing, has been selected for the 2026 Illinois Nurse Fellowship Award, according to a community announcement.
The $10,000 award from the Illinois Board of Higher Education is intended to support nursing faculty across the state. Pollock plans to use the funds to enhance her teaching tools and professional development.
Penny Pollock was selected for a 2026 Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Illinois Nurse Fellowship Award.
“My goal is to equip students with the fundamental skills, clinical judgment and confidence necessary for academic and clinical success,” Pollock said in the announcement. “A strong foundation in the first year of nursing education is critical for student success and long-term retention in the program.”
Pollock has 34 years of nursing experience and 15 years of teaching expertise.
Fellowship aims to retain nursing faculty
The Nurse Educator Fellowship Program is designed to retain qualified nursing faculty at Illinois institutions that award nursing degrees. This year, the IBHE awarded $800,000 in fellowship prizes, providing up to 80 nursing instructors with salary supplements for professional development, conference expenses, continued education and professional dues.
Pollock’s role at WIU
Pollock plays a critical role in the academic success and retention of nursing students at WIU, according to Patricia Eathington, director of nursing at the university.
“Her commitment to equity in nursing education is evident in her teaching philosophy and practice,” Eathington said. “She consistently goes above and beyond to support students who may face academic, social or financial barriers to success.”
This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: WIU’s Penny Pollock earns $10K award to boost nursing education
