D Magazine taps four nursing faculty for excellence

March 17, 2026 — DENTON — This year marks yet another one in which TWU Nursing faculty were recognized on D Magazine’s esteemed list of Excellence in Nursing Awards. Four faculty members in the College of Nursing earned the honor this year:

• Assistant Professor Carin Adams, PhD, RN, CPN
• Associate Clinical Professor Susan Chrostowski, DNP, APRN, ANP-C
• Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor Sheila Haley, PhD, CFN
• Assistant Clinical Professor Keisha McKinsey, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

“It is wonderful to see four professors from TWU recognized. It really speaks to the strength of our nursing faculty and the commitment our colleagues have to education, research and patient care,” Adams said. “I feel proud to be part of a community that is so dedicated to advancing the profession and supporting students.”

All four were recognized in the education and research category. Texas Woman’s was the only entity with four members recognized in education and research. Three members of UT Southwestern Medical Center were recognized, and no other entity featured more than two.

Adams is the director of the TWU Denton Bachelor of Science in Nursing program while Chrostowski serves as the Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track coordinator in the Master of Science in Nursing program.

“I was very humbled to find out I was being recognized,” Chrostowski said. “I feel honored to be recognized with such outstanding nurses.”

“To be nominated and recognized by a peer made it especially meaningful. Nursing is such a collaborative profession, so having a colleague take the time to acknowledge my work was incredibly affirming,” Adams added. “It reminded me how much we rely on and uplift one another in this profession. Being recognized in this way is very special because it reflects the collective impact of the work many of us are doing to strengthen the profession and prepare the next generation of nurses.”

Haley focuses on community health nursing while McKinsey contributes to the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Excellence in Nursing awardees were chosen based on judges’ scores from a panel of registered nurses in various fields. D Magazine’s editors selected the best nominations from local hospitals, doctors, nursing organizations and patients, and sent them to the panel. Based on the panel’s scores, 97 winners were selected.

Chrostowski and Adams reflected mostly on their patients, students and colleagues in relation to the awards.

“I have had some amazing experiences caring for patients and teaching students,” Chrostowski said. “I am most proud of a rewarding and meaningful career and hope I have helped those I have cared for, taught, and worked with as much as they have helped me.

“I am most proud of the students I’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring. Watching them grow into thoughtful, compassionate nurses who advocate for their patients is incredibly rewarding,” Adams said. “I’m grateful to the colleagues and students who make this work so meaningful. Nursing is truly a team effort, and any recognition like this reflects the collaboration, mentorship, and shared commitment of many people working together to improve care for patients and families.”

Page last updated 12:14 PM, March 17, 2026