Western Nevada College nursing faculty member Kathy Cocking, MSN, RN, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement. The award was presented on Friday, May 9, during the organization’s annual ceremony, where Cocking was selected from a field of 16 nominees.

Cocking has more than four decades of experience in nursing, including executive leadership roles in hospitals, contributions to quality improvement initiatives, and years of service in higher education. At Western Nevada College, she has provided strong leadership within the nursing program and played a central role in mentoring future healthcare professionals.

“Kathy is an incredible educator and leader whose commitment to her students and the healthcare community has created a lasting legacy,” said WNC President Dr. Kyle Dalpe. “This national recognition is well deserved and speaks to the deep impact she’s made in classrooms, hospitals, and across Northern Nevada.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors Cocking’s decades-long impact on patient care, nursing education, and healthcare leadership. Her work has helped shape healthcare delivery in the region and influenced countless students and colleagues throughout her career.