Dr. Tiesa Hughes-Dillard Named Illinois Nurses’ Foundation 2025 Nurse of the Year
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Tiesa Hughes-Dillard
DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer
Dr. Tiesa Hughes-Dillard, chief nursing officer at the University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics, was named the Illinois Nurses’ Foundation 2025 Nurse of the Year.
The prestigious statewide honor celebrates the exceptional achievements and dedication of nurses who go above and beyond in their professional practice, and it is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding clinical skills, leadership, and a commitment to patient care.
Dr. Hughes-Dillard was honored with the award at the Foundation’s Annual Holiday Gala & Fundraise on Dec. 6.
Under Dr. Hughes-Dillard’s leadership, UI Health reached a historic milestone in 2025, earning its first-ever Magnet Recognition® — a testament to her vision, collaborative spirit, and dedication to elevating professional nursing practice. She has built an environment grounded in inclusivity, accountability, and compassion, empowering nurses across all specialties to lead and innovate.
Beyond the organization, Dr. Hughes-Dillard has been a tireless advocate for the nursing voice within interdisciplinary care teams and across the broader healthcare landscape. Her leadership ensures that nursing remains central to clinical decision-making, strategic planning, and patient-centered excellence.
This award is a reflection of the culture of excellence she has cultivated at UI Health and the positive impact she continues to make on nursing, patients, and the communities served by UI Health.
