May 6, 2025
Lisa Woodley, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, CHPN, clinical associate professor and global education coordinator at the UNC School of Nursing, has been named a 2025 recipient of the Faculty Award for Global Excellence by UNC Global Affairs.
The award recognizes Woodley’s work to expand global education opportunities for nursing students and strengthen international partnerships in line with UNC-Chapel Hill’s global mission.
With more than 35 years of clinical experience and over three decades in nursing education, Woodley has helped incorporate Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) into the School’s curriculum. Her efforts have reached more than 750 students and established partnerships with institutions in Brazil, Norway, Japan, Spain, and Sweden.
Senior Associate Dean for Strategy and Global Affairs Ashley Leak Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN, said, “Dr. Woodley has tirelessly and consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to global education both at the School of Nursing and University. Her significant and sustained contributions to educational innovations of global innovative work, faculty mentorship, and teaching are clearly evident.”
As the School’s first global education coordinator, Woodley manages study abroad programs, supports incoming international students, and leads global learning integration. She was named a COIL Faculty Fellow and currently serves as an inaugural COIL Champion for UNC-Chapel Hill, mentoring faculty in the design and evaluation of COIL experiences.
Woodley’s work has helped secure several grants to grow COIL in nursing education, including funding from the government of Norway and the European Union.
She was honored at a ceremony on April 29 at the FedEx Global Education Center. The award includes a $5,000 funding award.
To read the full press release, visit UNC Global Affairs.
