Sabrina Stout Named SIC’s 2026 Outstanding Teacher of the Year
Southeastern Illinois College announced that Sabrina Stout has been named the recipient of the Loren P. and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for 2026. The honor recognizes excellence in teaching, commitment to students, and meaningful impact on learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Stout serves as a nursing instructor at SIC and brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience to her role as an educator. A graduate of SIC’s associate degree nursing program, she later earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She also continues to practice in the field, helping ensure her teaching remains grounded in current clinical experience.
Known for her high standards, strong mentorship, and deep commitment to student success, Stout is respected for helping students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and professionalism as they prepare to enter the nursing workforce. Her work also extends beyond the classroom through community engagement and support of student service opportunities.
Dr. Tyler Billman, Executive Dean of Academic Services, praised Stout’s impact on students and the college.
“Sabrina represents the very best of what it means to serve as a nursing educator at Southeastern,” Billman said. “Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom – it is felt in the confidence of her students, the strength of our healthcare partnerships, and the reputation of our institution.”
Dr. Emily York, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, also commended Stout’s dedication to her students and the profession.
“Sabrina leads with both excellence and compassion,” York said. “She challenges students to meet the high standards of the nursing profession while also supporting them every step of the way. Her dedication to student learning, clinical excellence, and service to our region makes her exceptionally deserving of this recognition.”
In her educational philosophy, Stout emphasizes connection, mentorship, accountability, and preparing students for careers in nursing. She draws on extensive clinical experience to help students connect theory to practice and believes strongly in creating a supportive environment where students can grow into confident, capable professionals.
“Preparing students for the real-life responsibilities of nursing is at the heart of what we do,” Stout said. “I want them to leave SIC ready to provide safe, compassionate care in our communities.”
The Loren P. and Velma Dallas Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award honors individuals who exemplify excellence in teaching and dedication to their field while making a lasting difference in the lives of students. Established in 1996 by Lorna Dallas-Brown and the late Ellen Wiggins, daughters of Loren and Velma Dallas, the award reflects the Dallas family’s enduring commitment to education in Southern Illinois. Each year, the Dallas endowment through the SIC Foundation awards $500 to the recipient.
As recipient of the award, Stout is also eligible for the 2026 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Faculty Member Award. The nomination materials note her leadership in program development, accreditation efforts, faculty mentoring, and preparing students to meet healthcare workforce needs in rural communities.
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