Debra Spunt Lecture Nomination Guidelines and Selection Process

Overview of the Spunt Lecture

The Debra Spunt Lecture Series honors Dr. Debra Spunt’s pioneering contributions to simulation in nursing education. The 2027 lecture marks the 21st anniversary of this distinguished series. Each year, one educator is selected to deliver the Spunt Lecture at the NLN Education Summit. Sponsored by Laerdal Medical since 2007, the lecture highlights excellence and innovation in simulation-based teaching, scholarship, and leadership.

How to Apply: A Two-Part Process

To be considered for the 2027 Spunt Lecture, two components must be submitted by the deadline:

1. Part 1: The Application (Submitted by You) – Complete the online application form, including your lecture proposal and supporting materials.

2. Part 2: The Nomination (Submitted by a Past Lecturer) – Ensure an eligible Past Spunt Lecturer submits the formal nomination form on your behalf. Only forms completed by an eligible Past Spunt Lecturer (listed below) will be reviewed.

APPLY NOW

Timeline

• Applications Open: May 18, 2026

• Deadline: July 15, 2026 | 11:59 PM ET

• Committee Review: August 2026

• Award Announcement: September 2026

Eligible Nominators

Applicants must coordinate with one of the following Past Spunt Lecturers to secure a nomination. Note: The NLN does not provide contact information for past lecturers; applicants are responsible for conducting their own professional outreach. Selection Committee members and current NLN staff are ineligible to serve as nominators.

Application Components

APPLY NOW: 2027 Online Application Form

Profile & Eligibility

• Full Contact Details & NLN Membership Number (Verification required).

• Confirmed availability for the NLN Summit: Phoenix, AZ | Sept 16-18, 2027.

• Identification of your designated Nominator (from the list above).

Supporting Materials

• Curriculum Vitae: Highlighting scholarship, teaching, and leadership.

• Professional Headshot: High-resolution image for promotional use.

• Presentation Video URL: A link to a professional presentation sample (lecture, keynote, or workshop).

Lecture Proposal

• Summary & Outcomes: Title, description (max 2 paragraphs), and 2-3 measurable learning outcomes.

• Criteria Alignment: Narrative evidence of excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, and Service/Leadership.

• Summit Theme Alignment (Encouraged): Consider how your proposal reflects the 2027 NLN Summit theme: Well-Being in Nursing Education: Designing Thriving Futures.

Nomination Form Components

For Applicant Awareness

The online nomination form has been provided directly to all eligible Past Spunt Lecturers. Once you submit your application, your nominator will receive an automated email reminding them to complete this form. The form requires the nominator to provide:

• Relationship: How the nominator knows the nominee.

• Criteria Evidence: Narrative examples of the nominee’s excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, and Collaboration/Leadership.

• Additional Insights: Qualitative feedback on the nominee’s fitness for this honor.

Evaluation and Selection

Applications are evaluated by a committee representing the NLN, Laerdal Medical, the University of Maryland, and Past Spunt Lecturers. Applicants are evaluated on:

• Scholarship: Publications, presentations, research impact, policy contributions.
• Teaching: Peer-reviewed excellence, innovation in simulation pedagogy.
• Leadership & Service: Organizational leadership, collaboration, influence on simulation standards.