UH Manoa Nursing Faculty Member Selected for Educator Innovator Award
By Joanne R. Loos
The Hawaii State Center for Nursing (HSCN) selected University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene (SONDH) Assistant Professor Katie Azama as one of three recipients for the 2025 Educator Innovator Award at the inaugural Hawaii Transition-to-Practice (HNTP) conference, held in Waikiki. Dr. Azama received the award thanks to her forward-thinking contributions to nurse practitioner education and professional development.
Dr. Azama, who previously served as manager of Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Education and Programs at The Queen’s Medical Center (QMC), has shown innovation throughout her career. Among her accomplishments: developing and publishing an evidence-based practice mentoring program, creating and managing an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse fellowship program, organizing QMC’s inaugural APP conference, securing grants and collaborating with partners to obtain acute care skills trainers and supplies, leading the coordination of the first APP ultrasound training day, and hosting group mentoring sessions for first-year direct-entry to nursing students.
“My approach to education is that when a student is ready, the teacher appears,” Dr. Azama says. “I believe in the value of student-centered learning. Understanding and responding to students’ diverse needs, whether academic, skills-based, or social, is essential. Educators must remain flexible and adaptive. When we meet students where they are, we help them become autonomous learners who take ownership of their paths.”
Dr. Azama’s nomination highlighted her creativity, leadership and commitment to helping new nurses and nursing students succeed. Colleagues and learners described how she fosters interactive and learner-centered environments, applies evidence-based teaching strategies, and supports ongoing professional development.
“Her efforts have led to measurable improvements in both student learning and program outcomes,” says Brianne Atwood, program coordinator for HSCN, who helped to coordinate the event.
Atwood describes the Educator Innovator Awardees as “educators who drive meaningful change in how people learn and grow. It focuses on individuals who design forward-thinking solutions, challenge traditional teaching models, and respond to the changing needs of nursing in Hawaii,” she says.
HSCN received more than 65 nominations across three categories, with the Educator Innovator Award receiving more than 25. “This award is part of a larger effort to strengthen the nursing workforce in Hawaii,” says Laura Reichhardt, director of HSCN. “By honoring educators like Katie, we’re highlighting the essential role of education leaders in preparing nurses to meet the demands of today’s health care system.”