Eastern graduate Emily Hunter, M.Ed., BS, RN, CSN, has been named the Pennsylvania School Nurse of the Year by the National Association of School Nurses for 2024. Hunter received her Master of Education in School Health Services from Eastern in 2021.

The previous Eastern Eagle currently works at Rhawnhurst School in Philadelphia, where she has spent seven years helping students be healthier and more engaged in their academics. Previously, she worked in pediatric primary care, emergency trauma, and labor and delivery. 

Each year, a Certified School Nurse from each region of Pennsylvania is selected, and from there the winners become finalists for the Pennsylvania School Nurse of the Year award. Seven finalists were selected across the state for their outstanding service to their school districts. Hunter stood out as the top choice for her above-and-beyond efforts in her role and her dedication to the lives, happiness, and wellness of her students.

“I’m so honored to have received this award and to be able to bring awareness to the field of school nursing, an underrecognized profession in the public health field,” says Hunter. “So many school nurses that I work with go above and beyond for their students, staff, and families — not only providing direct care but also managing outside referrals and bringing healthcare organizations into their schools to provide vision and hearing screenings, as well as dental care, immunizations, educational programs and so much more.” 

In addition to working as a school nurse, Hunter authors an educational blog on healthcare topics for the betterment of nurses, students, and parents. She has also published a book series called How To Be a School Nurse: Positively Practical Information For School Nurses.

Eastern is proud to see graduates impacting the world in their careers and lives. Serving your community is an integral part of Eastern’s values, and Hunter is using her skills and knowledge to serve the School District of Philadelphia each and every day, acting as a safe space for children to go for healthcare and support for every aspect of their wellbeing. 

“I am proud to be a part of this amazing profession and to have been recognized for my contributions to the field,” said Hunter. “I would not be where I am without my wonderful coworkers and mentors who built me up along the way!”

Hunter was recognized and awarded in a ceremony on Mar. 23 at the Hershey Lodge Conference Center.

Learn more at Eastern University, a Christian university enrolling approximately 7,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs.