Stephanie Herrick Kays, EdD, MSN, FNP-C, is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at Creighton University and a Family Nurse Practitioner committed to mentorship, innovation in nursing education, and community outreach. She previously served as faculty at both Midwestern University and Grand Canyon University, where she designed and led immersive, simulation-based learning experiences and mentored graduate nursing students—contributing to exceptional outcomes, including a 100% board pass rate for nurse practitioner students. Her doctoral research focused on the self-efficacy of nurse practitioner instructors, reflecting her passion for faculty and student development. Dr. Herrick Kays also serves as Medical Director for Special Olympics MedFest, leading interprofessional teams that have delivered over 1,500 free physicals to underserved athletes. Her publications center on simulation pedagogy and service-based learning. She is dedicated to preparing compassionate, practice-ready clinicians and advancing community-based healthcare through engaged teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration.