
Stories of Impact
Get to know our donors, and read stories of the meaningful impact their philanthropic support has in the lives of our students and faculty.
Robert M. and Thelma G. Flory Doctoral Study Award
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences faculty member Melissa Lewis, MSN, RN won the 2023-24 Robert M. and Thelma G. Flory Doctoral Study Award during the College’s annual Convocation ceremony on August 15.
Melissa teaches courses for both our associate and bachelor’s degree nursing students. Prior to joining our faculty, she most recently worked as an RN at Women & Babies Hospital. She has previously worked as a Patient Safety Officer & Infection Preventionist and as an RN Case Manager for Wellspan Philhaven Hospital among other roles. Melissa earned an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Harrisburg Area Community College in 2016 and both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (2019) and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Western Governors University (2021).
Melissa will utilize the Flory Award in support of her pursuit of a Doctor of Nursing Practice – Educational Leadership degree from American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University. The title of her doctoral research project is “Incorporating emotional intelligence training and assessments among undergraduate nursing students to enhance self-efficacy and professionalism.” She notes that there is a lot of research that indicates how nursing students who are self-aware are more self-confident and successful in their nursing programs, and that this also helps them as they transition into practice. Melissa anticipates completing her degree in October 2025.
Learn More about Robert and Thelma Flory and their reasons for giving!
Kenneth G. Stoudt Faculty Excellence Award
Selena L. Mallios, MS, LAT, CSCS, Assistant Department Chair of Science & Humanities and Anatomy & Physiology faculty instructor, won this year’s Kenneth G. Stoudt Faculty Excellence Award at Convocation.
Selena earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from Lebanon Valley College (2000) and a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine from Messiah College (2002). In 2013, she completed a Master of Science in Biology degree from the University of Saint Joseph.
Selena began her professional career as a Licensed Athletic Trainer. She shares: “The athletic training career is not just about evaluating and rehabilitating the athlete. It’s also about educating the athlete, which is where I found my true passion for teaching. It is more than just an injury, it’s the ‘why’ behind how we are going to fix what is wrong and prevent future injuries. It’s the ‘why’ behind physically training one’s body to be stronger, faster and more resilient. I took this passion of teaching my athletes into the classroom and started teaching Anatomy & Physiology.”
A student who nominated Selena for the Stoudt Award shared the following: “She is amazing. Always there for her students – caring, compassionate, funny and professional. When she gives you feedback…it is constructive criticism. She points to your strengths, as well as your weaknesses. Every time I needed help, she was prompt and caring.”
Learn More about Kenneth G. Stoudt and his reasons for giving!