Olivia Washington, assistant professor at Wayne State University, has received a President's Award for Excellence in Teaching from the university. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching.

A Detroit resident and a member of the WSU College of Nursing faculty, Washington teaches courses in psychiatric and community health nursing as well as transcultural nursing. She joined the WSU faculty in 1978. Prior to that she chaired the psychiatric nursing department at the Grace Hospital School of Nursing and was a nursing education consultant and evaluator for the University of Botswana.

Her research has focused on urban health issues and the role of nurses in meeting the health needs of the urban population.

Washington has received high marks from students on evaluation forms for her teaching skills, knowledge, accessibility and commitment to helping students achieve their highest potential. One student put it this way: "She offers her students the opportunity to learn and experience in an environment that has an open, communicate philosophy."

A registered nurse, she earned her doctoral degree at WSU and has master's and bachelor's degrees from State University of New York - Buffalo.