Allison Folsom named NMCC 2026 Faculty Member of the Year

Allison Folsom, MSN, RN, CNEpv, nursing faculty and Practical Nursing coordinator at Northern Maine Community College, has been named the college's 2026 Faculty Member of the Year, an honor selected by students in recognition of excellence in teaching and mentorship.

Folsom earned her associate degree in nursing from NMCC in 2019, a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Maine at Fort Kent in 2020, and a master's degree in nursing administration and leadership from the University of Southern Maine in 2022. She also earned her Certified Nurse Educator-Practical/Vocational (CNEpv) credential in 2026.

Since 2019, Folsom has worked as a registered nurse at Northern Light AR Gould Hospital and continues to serve in a per-diem role. She began teaching as an adjunct clinical instructor at NMCC in 2020 and was named Practical Nursing coordinator in 2022. Her clinical experience also includes work at Houlton Regional Hospital.

"Being named Instructor of the Year is such an honor," Folsom said. "My students' success means a great deal to me."

Folsom said she values the opportunity to shape future nurses through her work at NMCC.

"My approach to teaching is being authentic and supportive," she said. "I ensure that my students have the resources they need to succeed and meet each student where they are, using a variety of teaching methods. My goal is to create an environment where students feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them."

She emphasized the importance of strong relationships in nursing education.

"We build connections with our students, and I want them to know they will always have my support," she said.

Folsom said she hopes students leave her classes with both confidence and an appreciation for the profession.

"I hope students gain an appreciation for nursing and carry that knowledge and those skills into their careers," she said.

One of the most meaningful aspects of her work, she said, is seeing former students succeed in the field.

"Working alongside nurses I have previously taught and watching their growth is one of the most rewarding parts of this career," she said.

Folsom also highlighted the value of NMCC's Practical Nursing program as an accessible pathway into the profession.

"It is an excellent way to enter the nursing field with a relatively short time commitment," she said. "Students gain confidence and critical thinking skills in a supportive environment, with opportunities to advance their careers."

For more information on NMCC's Practical Nursing program, visit www.nmcc.edu/practical-nursing.