HAMMOND — The president and CEO of North Oaks Health in Hammond received the Innovator of the Year Award from Southeastern Louisiana University. 

The award was presented to Michele K. Sutton by Assistant Professor for Southeastern’s College of Nursing Coletta Barrett during the College of Nursing's Convocation on Aug. 28. The award is the first to be presented and will mark a new tradition for the program. 

“I am deeply honored to receive the inaugural Innovator of the Year Award,” Sutton said. “As a proud Southeastern alumna, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to give back to the university that provided the foundation on which I have built my career."

Under Sutton’s leadership, North Oaks Health and Southeastern have expanded opportunities for nursing students by creating pathways into nursing careers, including opportunities for students to work as nurse technicians while completing their education, according to Southeastern. For the current semester, North Oaks is hosting eight clinical groups, providing access to 18 preceptors and supporting five adjunct faculty members for the College of Nursing.

“I challenge each of us to follow Michele’s example,” Barrett said. “Stay curious, challenge what can be better, bring people together, share what we learn and have the courage to act on a good idea.”