Beatriz "Betty" Valdes, a first-generation college graduate who began her health care journey as a licensed practical nurse, received the Outstanding Teaching Award at the University of Miami 2026 Faculty Senate Awards, March 23 in the University's Kislak Center.
Valdes, an associate professor of clinical at the School of Nursing and Health Studies, is the first nurse in over a decade to receive the prestigious annual award. "Words can't express how moved I am," she said. "Teaching is not something that I take lightly. I feel that it's part of me. It's a privilege, especially to teach nurses. I'm very lucky to work at the School of Nursing with really, really talented colleagues."
One of those colleagues, Carmen Presti, second vice chair on the Faculty Senate and associate professor of clinical for the school, explained that the Outstanding Teaching Award recognizes faculty for exceptional teaching sustained for at least a decade at the University. The selection committee is composed of former award recipients. "On a personal note, though I was not involved in this candidate's nomination in any way," said Presti, "I could not be more pleased with the committee recognizing the extraordinary work of my friend and colleague."
Dean Hudson Santos, one of Valdes's four nominators, followed Presti at the podium. "Dr. Valdes exemplifies every quality this award seeks to honor—superlative teaching, dedicated mentorship, educational innovation, and a transformative impact on students and the nursing profession," he said. "I can think of no one more deserving of the Faculty Senate's Outstanding Teaching Award than Dr. Valdes."
Valdes has been at the U for two decades, he added, and has extensive range as an educator, teaching everything from pharmacology and adult health to epidemiology and role synthesis, advanced pathophysiology and Doctor of Nursing Practice immersion.
Also nominating her were fellow nurse and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator Jeffrey Groom, former student and current research collaborator Narciso Rodriguez, and Mary Mckay, a longtime professor of clinical at the school who received the same award in 2015.
Though Mckay could not be at the ceremony, Dean Santos quoted her. "As Dr. Mckay stated in her nomination letter," he said, "Dr. Valdes possesses a remarkable ability to merge evidence-based teaching strategies with real-world applications, ensuring students are not only knowledgeable but also prepared to respond to complex clinical challenges."
For her part, Valdes expressed discomfort with the spotlight, choosing to share her recognition. "I see it, semester to semester, how we are able as a group to mold these students who come in scared—they feel very intimidated to go into a patient's room—and then we see them transform to compassionate, caring health care providers," she said. "And I'm honored to be a small part of that journey."
Event attendee Régine Reaves, the school's director of undergraduate nursing, called Valdes one of her "favorite people to work with and learn from" and "beyond deserving of this recognition."
Valdes is "a national leader in undergraduate nursing education," said Guillermo R. Valdes (no relation), director of the Florida Nurses Association's South Region, which presented her last year with its Annual Excellence in Undergraduate Nursing Education Award. "Her work in advancing clinical simulation, fostering meaningful mentorship, and providing pivotal curriculum leadership has set a benchmark for excellence. She is truly shaping the future of the nursing workforce with innovation and dedication."
Since 2020, Valdes has been voted Teacher of the Year twice by students from the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and she received Jackson Health System's 2008 Nurse Educator of the Year Award.
In addition to expressing gratitude to her nominators and colleagues, Valdes closed by thanking her daughter, whom she said helps her stay in touch with the student perspective. "We are here for our students. That's the main purpose I have in mind when I walk through the door every day," she said. "I want to create that atmosphere where they feel confident, and they feel like they can take on any challenge in the world when it comes to nursing."
Read the University's profile on Valdes for its Faculty Senate Awards series.
