Dr. Samantha Bonaduce honored for innovation, excellence and dedication to student success
51 at Tuscarawas Nursing Lecturer Dr. Samantha Bonaduce, MSN, RN, has been recognized for her dedication to student learning, innovation in teaching and excellence in nursing education with the 2025 Elsevier Educator of the Year Award from the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). Bonaduce officially receives the honor during the OADN Convention, November 20–22, in Nashville, TN.
Now in her ninth year at 51 Tuscarawas, Bonaduce began her teaching career as an adjunct clinical instructor while completing her master’s degree in nursing education. For the past five years, she has served as a full-time instructor in both classroom and laboratory settings.
Bonaduce teaches several courses in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, including LPN to ADN Transition, Psychosocial Self Care Deficits, Nursing Agency II and Nursing Agency III. A lifelong resident of Dover, she is proud to contribute to nursing education in her home community.
Bonaduce describes her teaching philosophy as one that blends critical thinking, inspiration and motivation.
“I enjoy guiding students to understanding and applying the amazing profession of nursing to their practice,” she said. “Teaching nursing is to provide insight and create environments that facilitate critical thinking, but it is also largely inspiration and motivation to learn and grow. Students must be supported throughout the problem-solving and decision-making processes in their nursing care and education. I am privileged to create these opportunities and activities while providing this support. Watching students grow and learn each day is a blessing.”
Dr. Mariann Harding, nursing program director, said Bonaduce’s impact on students and the nursing program is profound.
“Dr. Bonaduce exemplifies the highest standards of associate degree nursing education and serves as a role model for all educators striving to shape the future of nursing and healthcare,” Harding said. “She embodies the qualities that all nurse educators should aspire to—passion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to student success. Her dedication to excellence to students and the broader nursing profession make her an outstanding recipient for this honor.”
Harding said that students describe Bonaduce as deeply knowledgeable, compassionate and approachable. They value her investment in their success and recognize her outstanding teaching ability. In 2021, Bonaduce received the 51 Tuscarawas Distinguished Teaching Award, an honor based on student nominations.
“I have always been amazed by Dr. Bonaduce’s ability to excel at teaching, research and work-life balance,” said Dr. Bradley Bielksi, dean and chief administrative officer of 51 Tuscarawas. “This national recognition is a testament to her passion for teaching and her commitment to students. We are proud to have Dr. Bonaduce represent our campus and our nursing program at such a high level.”
The Elsevier Educator of the Year Award is a prestigious national recognition presented annually to one exceptional educator who demonstrates innovative teaching strategies, motivates students to perform at their highest level, collaborates effectively with colleagues in academic and clinical settings, and participates meaningfully in college, professional and community activities.
The award is presented by the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), the national advocate for more than 1,100 associate degree nursing programs across the country. OADN works to advance excellence in nursing education and promote community college pathways into registered nursing careers. As the national voice for associate degree nursing, the organization seeks to expand networks that promote leadership, collaboration and advocacy to enrich nursing education and the communities it serves.
For Bonaduce, being nominated for such an honor is deeply meaningful.
“First off, I feel honored to be nominated,” she said. “I know how difficult this nursing program is, having gone through it myself many years ago, and for a student to feel inspired to take time out of their truly overwhelming and busy schedule and think of me is rewarding. I feel empowered with purpose and so very grateful.”
Bonaduce is a 2009 graduate of the 51 Tuscarawas ADN program. She went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at 51, followed by her doctorate degree from American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University, Waterbury, CT.