Owensboro Health has named Shelby Sandifer as the Fall 2025 recipient of the Vicki M. Stogsdill Nursing Award, recognizing her commitment to patient care, community service, and a longstanding passion for women’s health.
The Vicki M. Stogsdill Nursing Award recognizes outstanding nursing students who demonstrate excellence in clinical practice, leadership, compassion, and commitment to community service. Named for Stogsdill — a longtime Owensboro Health leader who served in roles from staff nurse to chief nursing officer and was instrumental in establishing the University of Louisville-Owensboro BSN program — the award includes a $5,000 prize and celebrates those prepared to advance the profession of nursing. Recipients also commit to at least one year of employment with Owensboro Health upon graduation.
Sandifer’s path into nursing began before she graduated high school. During her senior year, she enrolled in the State Registered Nurse Aide program at Owensboro Community & Technical College, gaining early, hands-on experience in patient care.
“I was so glad I was able to take that class while still in high school,” Sandifer said. “It made me even more interested in healthcare and excited to begin my journey.”
The experience reinforced what she had felt for years — that a career in healthcare was where she belonged.
“I have wanted to work in healthcare since I was young,” she said. “I’ve always had a passion for women’s health, and I wanted to be able to do my part in making a difference in the care provided to women.”
After graduation, Sandifer will begin working as a registered nurse on the Mother Baby Unit at Owensboro Health, where she will care for new mothers and their newborns. She is scheduled to start in January.
Ahead of that role, Sandifer spent two summers working on the unit as a nurse extern, gaining experience while building relationships with patients and colleagues.
“I absolutely love it,” she said. “Working on Mother Baby fulfills my passion for women’s health while also giving me the opportunity to learn about newborn nursing. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Sandifer said receiving the Vicki M. Stogsdill Nursing Award is both meaningful and humbling.
“Winning the Vicki M. Stogsdill Award is an absolute honor,” she said. “From what I’ve learned about her over the years, Vicki was not only a great nurse but also a great person. Being able to carry even the smallest part of her legacy is something I will always be grateful for.”
She also credited her education for shaping her perspective on service and community involvement.
“Nursing is such a community-based profession,” Sandifer said. “The UofL Owensboro Nursing Program places such a strong emphasis on community service. They do so much for our community, and I’m thankful I was part of a program that gave me opportunities to serve and grow — not just as a nurse, but as a person.”
To learn more about the Vicki M. Stogsdill Nursing Award and how Owensboro Health supports the next generation of nurses, visit owensborohealth.org/choose/vicki-m-stogsdill-nursing-award.
