The annual alumni awards recognize individuals whose careers embody the clinical excellence, leadership and compassionate care synonymous with a VCU Nursing education. Together, these four honorees represent the diverse strengths of the VCU Nursing community, from seasoned executive leadership to the promising clinical expertise of its newest doctoral graduates.

Outstanding Nurse Alum Award

Jeniece Roane, Ph.D., RN, NE-BC

Jeniece Roane has been a registered nurse for 32 years. She has held formal leadership roles in nursing and hospital administration since 2002, and has served as chief operating officer for VCU Medical Center since 2025. She previously served as the vice president of operations for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Roane is a three-time alumna of VCU, and her leadership has been recognized locally and regionally, including the 2024 Paul A. and Veronica H. Gross Achievement Award, which honored her substantial contributions to nursing.

Outstanding Nurse Service Award

Lyons Hardy, Ed.D., M.S.N., PMHNP

Lyons Hardy is a two-time alumna of VCU and a VCU School of Nursing faculty member whose expertise is sought not only within the school, but also beyond. She has served as the concentration lead for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program in the school since 2017, demonstrating her commitment to the excellent education of its students.

She maintains a clinical practice as a PMHNP at the VCU Center for Advanced Health Management, Division of Geriatrics, and provides significant service at the school and university level.

Outstanding Nurse Practice Award

Terri M. Page, D.N.P., WHNP-BC

Terri Page is a triple alumna of the VCU School of Nursing and a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner whose career reflects deep clinical expertise, unwavering compassion and a lifelong commitment to service. She served on the MCV Hospitals staff from 1982 to 2006, gaining experience across multiple clinical settings including medical-surgical relief, labor and delivery, obstetrics, and radiology.

Beyond her clinical practice, she is a trusted advocate and resource for women of all ages, particularly those facing significant social and economic challenges. She has lectured extensively on grief-related issues, worked closely with adolescents and dedicated countless hours to volunteer service. She exemplifies the very best of VCU Nursing alumni, combining clinical excellence, compassionate care, mentorship and sustained community impact.

Outstanding Recent Alum Award

Lesley Coots, D.N.P., FNP

Lesley Coots is a dedicated nurse practitioner specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery at VCU Health, where she delivers advanced clinical care with compassion, professionalism and clinical excellence. She is a recent D.N.P. graduate and has distinguished herself through her commitment to patient-centered care in a highly complex surgical specialty, and is widely respected by colleagues for her clinical expertise, collaborative approach and dedication to improving the patient experience.

She is deeply engaged in mentorship and professional development, supporting students and newer clinicians as they enter advanced practice roles.

In recognition of her professional accomplishments and leadership, Coots was selected to serve as the December 2025 Commencement speaker for the VCU School of Nursing, an honor that reflects her impact, integrity and ability to inspire the next generation of nurses.