Dr. Kulju receives esteemed faculty award from Bellin College
Each year a nursing faculty member is recognized for his or her outstanding service at Bellin College through the generosity of retired neurosurgeon, Dr. Hiro Nishioka. In 1995, Dr. Nishioka established the Nishioka Family Faculty Excellence Award in recognition of a faculty member who excels in the areas of instructional expertise, contributions to the advancement of the profession and nursing education, professional role modeling and a commitment to professional growth.
The 2018 Nishioka Family Faculty Excellence Award was awarded to assistant professor of nursing Dr. Lori Kulju. Dr. Kulju has been with the College for more than 13 years and has taught a variety of courses in both the traditional and 15-month programs. She loves teaching clinical and working with students in the simulation labs. Dr. Kulju created a new simulation course, which has proven very successful with students and faculty alike.
Dr. Kulju’s areas of expertise include adult medical-surgical, community and pharmacology. She is an active member in the revision of the traditional and 15-month curriculums, and understands both the theory and clinical learning needs of the students.
Dr. Kulju strives for excellence both personally and professionally. She lives the mission and values of the College, is clear on her expectations of her students and holds them accountable for their actions. She sets the stage for students to be self-directed, competent and ethical. Dr. Kulju has presented poster and podium presentations at the local, state and national level on a wide variety of topics, such as teaching strategies, mentoring, clinical concepts and critical thinking. She is also an active member of the Wisconsin League for Nursing.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Kulju completed her Ph.D. at the University of Northern Colorado and is a candidate for promotion to associate professor. She engages in many community service activities. She is the faculty advisor for Bellin Student Nurses Association; a member of the Bellin College master’s program committee; a member of the institutional research board for Bellin Health System; and preceptor for the MSN nurse educator track. Dr. Kulju is a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) among other nursing certifications, and is always willing to help students in need. Many students who have graduated and passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam would not have been able to do so without her coaching.
Dr. Kulju received her diploma degree from Bellin College of Nursing, her BSN from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and her MSN from Cardinal Stritch University. Bellin College is honored to have Dr. Kulju as a faculty leader.
