On Nov. 16, the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce recognized Susanne Phillips, DNP, senior associate dean of clinical affairs and clinical professor in the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, as one of the region’s 2023 Distinguished Educators at their annual awards dinner.
The Chamber’s Distinguished Educators program identifies outstanding educators and STEAM programs offered in greater Irvine and it celebrates the region’s world-class educational opportunities. Access to the very best education is an example of the city living up to its promise as a model community with a vibrant economy and a highly skilled workforce, according to Chamber President and CEO Bryan Starr.
Phillips is a distinguished leader at UCI, making a difference in the classroom and in the field. While many healthcare providers were recognized for heroic ‘front-line’ contributions during the battle against coronavirus, Phillips took the call to service to a new level — leading the efforts of UCI Medical Center and school of nursing staff to establish UCI’s first drive-thru screening clinic, in only four days’ time. Under her continued support and leadership, the highly dedicated team also organized additional sites to meet community needs during the health crisis.
Mark Lazenby, dean of UCI’s Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, presented Phillips with her award. Sherry Main, vice chancellor strategic communications & public affairs, Alberto Sandoval, assistant vice chancellor of government affairs, and Tatiana Arizaga, executive director of communications and external relations for health affairs, were among the other UCI colleagues on hand to help Phillips celebrate. Main also serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, demonstrating a shared commitment between UCI and the City of Irvine to elevate the health and prosperity of Orange County residents.
