UW’s Dalton Stoddard Honored with WNA Faces of Future Nurses Award

Dalton Stoddard, a University of Wyoming student pursuing his graduate studies in nursing education, was awarded the 2026 Faces of Future Nurses Award from the Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA). The honor recognizes a nurse licensed five years or less who demonstrates innovative practice, leadership and public service.

Stoddard, of Kemmerer, received the honor during a Sept. 24 awards ceremony at the annual WNA/Wyoming Council for Advanced Practice Nurses Annual Convention, dubbed “Stronger Together,” which took place at the Best Western Downtown Casper Hotel Thursday-Friday, Sept. 24-25.

“Dalton has distinguished himself as an innovative leader, an advocate for the nursing profession and a dedicated servant to both his community and fellow nurses,” said WNA Vice President Faith Jones while presenting the award. “His accomplishments demonstrate that the future of nursing in Wyoming is bright.”

Stoddard’s clinical expertise spans medical-surgical, emergency and public health nursing. His dedication to evidence-based practice and patient safety has yielded measurable results, including achieving zero adverse drug events and improving patient tracking systems.

“Receiving the Faces of Our Future Nurses award from the Wyoming Nurses Association is an honor that resonates deeply for me both personally and professionally,” Stoddard says. “Personally, this award reflects the many hours I have spent working days and nights, serving my community, serving my profession, and finding ways to improve who I am. This award also is a reminder of the support I have had from my family, mentors and colleagues who have inspired me. And, without them, I would not have this honor. Being recognized by my peers, whom I respect and admire, affirms the value of the challenges I have faced, which have now allowed me to make a positive impact.” 

Professionally, Stoddard says the recognition serves as further motivation to continue growing as a nurse and leader in his community and the state.

“Wyoming communities, families and individuals deserve nurses who have committed to the highest standards of patient care,” he says. “Having my professional colleagues recognize my commitment to Wyoming encourages me to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the future of healthcare in Wyoming, creating a brighter future for the patients we serve and the profession we dedicate ourselves to.”

Beyond bedside care, Stoddard has served as the new graduate director at large on the WNA Board of Directors, co-chair of the engagement committee and a member of the finance committee. As a champion for new nurses, he moderates the student community on the WNA mobile app and personally met with every student attendee during WNA Legislative Days. His student outreach presentation at UW -- where he graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA -- helped recruit 20 new WNA/American Nursing Association student subscribers.

“He exemplifies the purpose of the Faces of Future Nurses Award by demonstrating that, even early in one’s career, a nurse can create meaningful and lasting change,” Jones says.

The cherry on the top of the weekend for Stoddard was being elected to serve as president-elect of the WNA. His proactive approach and ability to engage members has been the key to his success.

“Dalton is a go-getter whose thoughtful approach to leadership will be a valuable asset to the association as we move nursing forward in Wyoming,” says Kara Beech, executive director of the WNA. 

“Thank you to the Wyoming Nurses Association for this incredible acknowledgment and thank you to the nurses who have inspired me and will continue to inspire me,” Stoddard says.