Susan Hébert, assistant dean of simulation, was honored with the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) 2026 Academic Excellence Award.
With over 3,000 members worldwide, the INACSL is an association dedicated to advancing the science of health care simulation.
The Academic Excellence Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to simulation-based nursing education and demonstrated excellence in advancing innovative teaching and learning practices. Recipients are selected for their commitment to the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®, sustained record of teaching excellence, evidence-based approach to simulation education, and leadership within the profession.
Hébert was recognized during the organization’s annual conference, where nursing simulation leaders from around the world gathered to share research, best practices, and innovations in healthcare education.
As assistant dean of simulation, Hébert leads the College of Nursing’s simulation initiatives, helping prepare future nurses through immersive, evidence-based learning experiences.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2026 Academic Excellence Award from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning,” said Hébert. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it affirms that the work we are doing at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing is making an impact far beyond what I ever imagined. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to advancing simulation-based education and to work alongside such talented colleagues, students, and collaborators.”
Hébert’s recognition reflects the College of Nursing’s continued commitment to excellence in nursing education and innovation. Through leadership in simulation and learning, the college remains at the forefront of preparing nurses to meet the evolving needs of patients.
The college recently opened the UT Medical Nursing Building, a state-of-the-art facility featuring extensive simulation space designed to enhance hands-on learning. Hébert oversees the simulation environments within the building, as well as the simulation spaces located at the college’s satellite campus at Cherokee Farms.
Under her leadership, the College of Nursing has earned full accreditation in teaching and research from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Fewer than 300 programs worldwide have achieved this distinction, which is widely regarded as the gold standard in health care simulation.
CONTACT:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)