Dean's Awards

Dean’s Staff Service Award

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Recognizes the achievement of exemplary service to the College of Health Professions.

Sherylyne Toque, MPA
Program Manager
Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program

Sherylyne Toque exemplifies the highest standards of service, leadership, and dedication, making her exceptionally deserving of the College of Health Professions Dean’s Staff Service Award. As program manager for the Pace University–Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program, she serves as the operational backbone of the program, overseeing complex administrative, financial, and accreditation-related functions with precision and efficiency. Her meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills ensure seamless program operations, enabling faculty and leadership to focus on delivering high-quality education and supporting student success.

A defining quality of Sherylyne’s service is her deep expertise in assessment, data management, and accreditation processes. She plays a critical role in compiling and analyzing program data, supporting self-studies, and maintaining compliance with national accrediting bodies. Her analytical capabilities and command of institutional systems contribute directly to continuous program improvement and informed decision-making. Colleagues consistently describe her as thorough, reliable, and exceptionally competent, noting that any task she undertakes is completed with accuracy and professionalism.

Beyond her operational impact, Sherylyne is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to students and the broader academic community. She is a trusted and approachable resource for students, offering guidance on academic processes and fostering a supportive, student-centered environment. Her dedication extends to organizing student engagement initiatives, including fundraising and community activities, which strengthen program culture and connection. Her consistently organized, responsive, and thoughtful communication style has also made her an invaluable collaborator across departments.

Sherylyne’s service reaches well beyond her immediate role, reflecting a sustained commitment to institutional and professional advancement. She actively contributes to university governance through the Staff Council and its Benefits Advisory Committee, advocating for staff and enhancing the broader Pace community. Additionally, her scholarly contributions and presentations at regional and national conferences demonstrate her engagement in advancing physician assistant education. Recognized with multiple awards for excellence, she embodies a rare combination of professionalism, initiative, and service. Collectively, these qualities underscore her profound impact and clearly distinguish her as an outstanding candidate for the Dean’s Staff Service Award.

Dean’s Faculty Service Award

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Recognizes the achievement of exemplary service to the College of Health Professions.

Stephanie Allen, PhD, RN
Chair and Associate Professor Undergraduate Nursing
Program Director
Nursing, BS

Dr. Stephanie Allen demonstrates an exceptional and sustained commitment to service that spans the Lienhard School of Nursing, the College of Health Professions, Pace University, and the broader nursing profession. Her leadership in academic governance and program development has been central to advancing institutional excellence. As chair of the Undergraduate Studies Curriculum Committee, she led the multi-year transition to a competency-based curriculum aligned with national AACN standards, an effort that required extensive collaboration, strategic planning, and meticulous execution. This work directly contributed to the successful CCNE reaccreditation of multiple undergraduate nursing programs, underscoring her impact on academic quality and long-term program success.

Dr. Allen’s service is equally distinguished at the university level, where she has played a vital role in shared governance and institutional leadership. Through her long-standing involvement in the Westchester Faculty Council and her leadership as chair of the Admissions and Retention Committee, she has contributed to data-informed strategies that enhance student success and institutional effectiveness. Her appointments as faculty representative to key Board of Trustees committees further reflect the trust placed in her to represent faculty interests and contribute to high-level decision-making related to university sustainability and policy.

A defining hallmark of Dr. Allen’s service is her profound dedication to student engagement, mentorship, and professional development. As faculty advisor to the Pace Nursing Students Association, she has cultivated a thriving student organization that has grown significantly in size, impact, and national visibility. Through her mentorship, students have developed leadership skills, participated in national conferences, and achieved recognition at state and national levels. Students consistently credit her guidance, advocacy, and encouragement as instrumental to their academic and professional growth, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering the next generation of nursing leaders.

Beyond Pace University, Dr. Allen’s service extends to meaningful contributions within the nursing profession. Her leadership roles in professional organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau International, along with her work as a CCNE accreditation reviewer, demonstrate her engagement in advancing nursing education at a broader level. Colleagues consistently highlight her willingness to step into critical leadership roles, her dedication to accreditation and quality improvement efforts, and her ability to strengthen both academic programs and student opportunities. Collectively, her sustained leadership, collaborative spirit, and impactful service make her an outstanding and highly deserving recipient of the Dean’s Faculty Service Award.

Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence

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Acknowledges achievement in teaching and the scholarship of teaching.

Joana Velasquez, PhD, RN, CNOR
Assistant Professor
Undergraduate Nursing

Dr. Joana Velasquez, assistant professor of undergraduate nursing exemplifies excellence in teaching through her innovative, student-centered approach and unwavering commitment to student success. Across multiple peer evaluations, she is consistently described as an educator who creates inclusive, engaging, and intellectually stimulating learning environments. Her teaching is grounded in evidence-based practice and characterized by clarity, rigor, and high expectations, while still fostering a supportive atmosphere where students feel valued and motivated to excel. This balance enables students to build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and grow into competent, reflective nursing professionals.

A hallmark of Dr. Velasquez’s teaching is her commitment to pedagogical innovation. She integrates creative and contemporary methods such as student-generated memes, interactive technologies, and virtual reality, making complex concepts accessible, engaging, and memorable. These approaches not only enhance student learning but also bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice. Her work has gained national recognition through scholarly publications and conference presentations, underscoring the broader impact of her teaching innovations on nursing education.

Equally significant is Dr. Velasquez’s dedication to mentorship and individualized student support. Students consistently highlight her approachability, compassion, and willingness to invest time in their academic and personal development. Whether students need additional support or greater challenges, she meets them where they are and provides guidance that empowers them to succeed. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as she mentors students in research, leadership activities, and professional development opportunities that shape their future careers.

The lasting impact of Dr. Velasquez’s teaching is evident in the success and confidence of her students as they transition into professional practice. Alumni credit her with preparing them for real-world clinical environments and instilling the skills necessary for patient care, leadership, and ethical decision-making. Her collaborative spirit, scholarly contributions, and commitment to advancing teaching excellence further enhance her impact across the institution. Collectively, the qualities of innovation, mentorship, scholarly engagement, and transformative student outcomes clearly distinguish Dr. Velasquez as a highly deserving recipient of the College of Health Professions Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence.