Idaho State University names ISU-Meridian’s Kelly Pesnell 2014 Distinguished Teacher

Assistant clinical nursing professor Kelly Fanning Pesnell is Idaho State University’s 2014 Distinguished Teacher.

Pesnell was one of three faculty members recognized for distinguished service at commencement exercises in Pocatello, May 10. 
Lawrence Beaty, the chair and executive director of the ISU Energy Systems Technology and Education Center, received the Distinguished Service Award and physics research associate professor Alan Hunt was named Distinguished Researcher. 

Based at the Meridan Health Science Center, Pesnell was also honored at ISU-Meridian commencement exercises May 12 in Boise. A family nurse practitioner for 12 years, she joined ISU in 2007.  Her areas of teaching expertise include rural, migrant and geriatric health care.  She also serves as an academic advisor to nurse practitioner students and as a clinical preceptor in her rural family practice in Parma.

Instrumental in developing Idaho’s only Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, which began at ISU last fall, Pesnell has instructed advanced clinical skills workshops and primary care simulations.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners selected Pesnell as Idaho’s 2014 Nurse Practitioner of the Year for clinical excellence, leadership and scholarship.  Pesnell holds a master’s degree in family nurse practice from ISU and a doctorate in nursing practice from University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.     

“I think that the biggest reason I love to teach is the opportunity to be creative—to bring knowledge, skills, and evidence together in a manner that is meaningful to each student,” said Pesnell.