Bucks Professor Earns Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award

NEWTOWN, PA — Mary Dura, Ed.D., who has taught nursing at Bucks County Community College for more than 20 years and worked in the profession for many years before that, has
received the prestigious 2026 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

The honor reflects her long-term commitment to high-quality instruction and student success and celebrates teaching that is challenging, clear, and lasting in its effect on a student's worldview.

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Dura, who earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Master of Science in nursing at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and her doctor of education at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, said she was shocked and deeply humbled by the news.

"My immediate feeling was gratitude—to my students, colleagues, mentors, family, and the nursing profession itself," said Dura. "Teaching nursing has never felt like simply a job to me. It is a privilege and a responsibility, so to be recognized for something that means so much to me personally was incredibly moving."

Arguably her biggest fan, her young daughter, was by her side when she received the award.

"One of the most meaningful parts of the celebration was sharing it with my 10-year-old daughter, Julia," Dura recalled. "She can be a little shy, so I was especially touched
when she unexpectedly decided to walk up to the stage with me. Seeing the pride in her eyes made an unforgettable day even more special."

Dura's transition into higher education began unexpectedly during graduate schoolwhen a professor encouraged her to teach a health assessment course. For years, she balanced clinical nursing practice with teaching, bringing real-world patient scenarios directly into her lectures. She eventually transitioned to full-time education to make a broader impact by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

In the classroom, Dura uses dynamic methods such as case studies, high-fidelity simulations, guided discussions, and clinical practice to help students build strong critical thinking and clinical judgment skills. Emphasizing adaptable learning styles, she meets students where they are while ensuring they master modern healthcare demands, including patient safety, evidence-based care, and emerging technology.

"Without question, the feedback that means the most is hearing from former students
who tell me they felt prepared when caring for patients during difficult moments or that something they learned in class helped them make a safe clinical decision," said Dura.

"Nursing is such a human profession, and knowing that students feel more capable, compassionate, and confident in caring for others is deeply rewarding."

Bucks County Community College offers an associate degree in nursing that prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become licensed registered nurses. To learn more, visit bucks.edu/nursing, email
ADNursingDirector@bucks.edu, or call 215-968-8353.