Learn More About PUC
Susan Bussell is 海角视频鈥檚 2023 Educator of the Year
By Laura Gang on May 18, 2023
Share this

Professor of Nursing Susan Bussell was honored as 海角视频 Educator of the Year at a special Community program in the PUC Church on May 18.
Milbert Mariano, vice president for academic administration and academic dean, said Bussell demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and expertise in her field. 鈥淪he's a true advocate for nursing education, and her enthusiasm for the profession is evident in her work with students,鈥 he said. 鈥淪he has a gift for inspiring and motivating her students and has been a mentor to many young nurses throughout her career as an educator.鈥
This year marks the second time in the college鈥檚 history that a professor of nursing has been selected as the Educator of the Year. Last year鈥檚 honoree, Professor of Nursing Serah Choi, spoke about her journey from being a nurse to becoming an educator and looking to Jesus as her mentor. She reminded students that a little progress every day can eventually yield significant results.
Mariano and Choi presented Bussell with a framed certificate, balloons, and a bouquet of sunflowers and red roses. She was also honored with a superhero cape and a lightsaber鈥攁ll traditional gifts bestowed on the college鈥檚 previous honorees.
Bussell鈥檚 husband, Ty, paid tribute by praising her talents and gifts. The first slide on the screen showed Bussell in the kitchen with some beautiful food presentations for her son鈥檚 engagement party. Her husband explained that it was the perfect photo because she is an excellent cook. Bussell has not only made food for special occasions but also catered events.
Other fun facts he shared about Bussell were that she doesn鈥檛 like early mornings or the cold, but she loves Christmas, cold pizza for breakfast and Disney. Many slides showed the Bussells and their children, Andrew, Nathan, Lauren, and Claire.
What Bussell is most passionate about, Ty said, is the salvation of her students, the faculty, and her family. 鈥淪he is following the example of Paul in 1 Corinthians 3, when he says, 鈥業 plant the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.鈥 Susan dreams of that seed growing and celebrating with her students, faculty, and family someday.鈥
Professor of Nursing Tamara Tirado described Bussell as a person of deep purpose, passion, and commitment. 鈥淔rom the moment Dr. Bussell set foot on our college campus, she has been a beacon of light and a source of unwavering support for her students,鈥 she said. 鈥淗er tireless dedication to the nursing profession is evident in the countless hours she spent creating a rich, engaging, and nurturing learning environment.鈥
Bussell earned her B.S. in nursing at Loma Linda University. She later received her M.S. at the University of California, San Francisco, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Loma Linda University. Bussell joined the PUC faculty in 2005. She has directed the A.S.N. Program and has served on several committees. She teaches Nursing VI, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology.
Two of Bussell鈥檚 nursing students, Sally Fistler and Mazie Contreras, also paid tribute to their beloved professor. Fistler shared that Bussell always prays and has devotionals with her students.
Contreras addressed Bussell directly, thanking her for teaching them about holistic care for patients and providing that same care to her students. 鈥淔rom the homemade snacks and treats, exemplar stories full of laughter, to lecture activities that engage with all learning styles, your classroom is filled with enthusiasm for the subject,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hank you so much for the care that you poured into our educational journeys and future success.鈥
The Educator of the Year award is chosen jointly by the Faculty Development, Research, and Honors Committee and PUC students.
Latest News
Echoes of Devotion: The Journey of Noah Paulin鈥檚 Violin
By Sheann Brandon on April 28, 2025
Theology Chair Jim Wibberding Authors Book Exploring West Coast Adventism
By Sheann Brandon on April 25, 2025
PUC鈥檚 BSN Program Earns Top Marks after ACEN Accreditation Evaluation
By Sheann Brandon on April 24, 2025
Tad Worku鈥檚 Unconventional Path to Sharing Hope
By Sheann Brandon on April 23, 2025