Nursing Division

HCC’s professor Blash receives state nursing award

Michele Blash, assistant professor of nursing at Hagerstown Community College, has been named a recipient of the Nurse Faculty Annual Recognition (NFAR) award, and will receive $10,000 to be used toward professional development. The award is part of the Nurse Support Program II, funded through the Health Services Cost Review Commission, and administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

“Michele is very deserving of this award,” said Karen Hammond, HCC director of nursing. “She is a bright, energetic individual with a passion for nursing and her students. She consistently receives excellent student evaluations and always goes above and beyond to help them succeed.”

The 2023 NFAR award was given to nominees employed at community colleges and universities in Maryland, who demonstrate excellence in five key areas. These include excellence in teaching, impact on students, engagement in the nursing program and employing institution, innovation in education and technology, and contributions to nursing education.

Blash has been a faculty member in HCC’s nursing program for 19 years in both the practical nursing and associate degree programs. She is a registered nurse and holds a diploma in nursing from Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Millersville University, and a master’s degree in nursing from the Mountain State University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in nursing from Liberty University.

(December 13, 2022)