The DAWN Executive Committee proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Leadership and Rising Star Awards. We hope you will register for the DAWN Annual Awards Dinner on October 16th to celebrate these incredible women. 

2025 Leadership Award Winner

Dr. Angela Herman, Director of Health Sciences, Wilmington University 

Dr. Angela Herman serves as Director of the Health Sciences Program at Wilmington University, where she has been a faculty member since 2002. She teaches across the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels throughout the College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences.  

Angela earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Delaware and holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Wilmington University. Her doctoral work focused on leveraging mobile health technology to improve patient engagement in rural healthcare settings. 

Prior to her academic leadership role, Angela spent 24 years managing the Cardiovascular Clinical Trials program at Christiana Care. She led numerous international and investigator-initiated trials. Her research interests include healthcare technology, ethical decision-making in nursing practice, dietary influences on cardiac health, and mental health outcomes in patients with cardiac implantable devices.

Angela has published in Nursing Critical Care, Journal of Clinical Research Best Practices, the Delaware Nurses Association Reporter, the Delaware Journal of Public Health, the Delaware Nursing Association Reporter, and co-authored a chapter in Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment of Clinical Problems. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society and faculty advisor to Sigma Zeta honor society. Angela currently serves as the co-chair for the student committee for Delaware’s Advancing Health Lifestyles coalition.

Outside of her professional life, Angela enjoys spending time at the beach, singing with the Chester River Chorale, volunteering in her community, and time with her family.

Rising Star Award Winners

Jasmine Couch, Design Manager, Delaware State University

Jasmine Couch is the Design Manager for Marketing and Communications at Delaware State University, bringing more than 16 years of professional and freelance graphic design experience. She specializes in creative direction for marketing campaigns, as well as print and digital communications for diverse audiences.

Jasmine played a pivotal role in leading the University’s comprehensive rebranding initiative, including the launch of Delaware State University’s refreshed identity and the Hornets’ new logos. An accomplishment that marked a significant milestone for the institution.

Throughout her six years at DSU, Jasmine has been a driving creative force behind major projects and collaborations. Her portfolio includes the 2019 HBCU Week partnership with Stephen A. Smith and ESPN’s First Take, the 2023 and 2025 Homecoming celebrations, the Early Childhood Lab School “The Nest” branding, marketing projects at Christiana Mall in Newark, Delaware, and partnerships with the New York Yankees, DAWN: Delaware ACE Women’s Network, and the 2025 BEU Black Dress Ball, among many others. Most recently, she has expanded her creative influence by contributing to developmental projects involving campus buildings.

Beyond her role at DSU, Jasmine is passionate about empowering others through design. She supports Black female entrepreneurs with branding for their businesses and thrives on collaborating with peers across higher education.

A proud Newark, Delaware, native, Jasmine is deeply rooted in her community. She serves in ministry at Christ Like Church in New Castle, Delaware, contributes to The Charity Bag, a community outreach ministry supporting families in need, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

While creativity fuels her professional journey, Jasmine treasures her role as wife to her husband, Darnell Couch, and mother to her 12-year-old son, Khaden. In her downtime, she enjoys binge-watching Netflix series, experimenting with new coffee recipes, playing Nintendo Switch, and embracing nostalgic moments. She holds fast to her life scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, which continues to guide her purpose and passion.

Patty Greene, General Accounting Manager, Financial Affairs, Wilmington University 

Tesapatrice "Patty" Greene serves as the General Accounting Manager in the Financial Affairs Department at Wilmington University. With more than a decade of experience in higher education accounting and assurance, she previously held the role of Budget Manager in the Student Affairs Department for over 10 years.

Patty holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and dual MBAs with concentrations in both Finance and Marketing. Her diverse background—spanning Athletics, Student Affairs, and Financial Affairs—has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of university operations and a unique ability to connect across departments.

Originally from Antigua, Patty brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to Wilmington University’s mission of delivering high-quality, career-focused education. She is known for her collaborative and engaging spirit, strong leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence and service.

Patty credits her parents, Avril and the late Edwardson, her husband Colin, her children Caiden, Audrianna, and Aleksandra, her extended family, and her Wilmington University family as the sources of her motivation and inspiration. Their support continues to fuel her passion for achieving her dreams and making a meaningful impact in higher education.

Dr. Teresa Hickok, Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware

Dr. Hickok is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education, Program Coordinator for the Associate in Arts Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education (AA EME) program, and the Director of College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Associate Degree Programs at the University of Delaware. As Program Coordinator, she teaches courses, coordinates field experiences, manages program scheduling, and advises all students. She also guides sophomores in their transition to the bachelor’s EME program.

As Director, Dr. Hickok implements systems and protocols that strengthen all CEHD associate degree pathways within the college. She serves as a central point of contact for UD departments, strengthens collaboration and aligns program goals with the broader mission of the College. This role enables her to improve program efficiency and advocate for beneficial student resources.

Dr. Hickok is also UD’s Continuing-Track (CT) Caucus Co-Chair, Program Area Representative to the Committee on Undergraduate Studies in Education (CUSE), and Co-Chair for the Mid-Atlantic Teaching Faculty Alliance (MATFA) Conference Planning Committee. In the community, she serves on the Executive Board of First State Squash where she helps shape summer academic programming for underserved youth.

In 2025, Dr. Hickok received UD’s CEHD Trailblazer Award for her leadership in expanding the AA EME program, recruiting and retaining teacher candidates, and addressing Delaware’s teacher shortage, which demonstrates both her impact and potential as a higher education leader.

Tatiana Marshall, Assistant Director of Student Engagement, Goldey-Beacom College

Tatiana Marshall serves as the Assistant Director for Student Engagement at Goldey-Beacom College (GBC). She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that bring students together and strengthen campus community. Tatiana has played a key role in planning and executing signature events such as New Student Orientation, Late Night Breakfast, and Cap & Cork, programs that not only welcome and celebrate students but also foster school spirit and connection.

Tatiana is dedicated to building leadership opportunities for students, supporting organizations, and ensuring every student finds a place to thrive on campus.

Outside of her professional role, Tatiana enjoys reading, attending spin classes, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Arrow. Her energy, creativity, and commitment to student success make her an invaluable member of the GBC community.

Rachel Stager, Instructional Coordinator, Mathematics, Delaware Technical Community College

Rachel Stager is the Mathematical Instructional Coordinator at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC), at the Charles L. Terry Campus. After graduating from West Chester University with her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education, she started her career in education teaching middle school mathematics in the city of Philadelphia. After moving to Delaware, she briefly taught middle school math in New Castle County before transitioning to higher education at DTCC where she obtained a position as a full-time math instructor. Shortly after starting this role, she helped redesign courses as part of the Achieving the Dream initiative and later became the Instructional Coordinator for the department.

Rachel works closely with the Department Chair on instructional strategies and techniques to help support students and instructors in the classroom, while also assisting with course design and evaluating transfer credits. In addition to her departmental work at the college, she works with local high schools by mentoring the teachers who run dual-enrollment classes, which are designed to prepare students for the next level of education. She has also served on several committees and task forces for the College, including but not limited to the Faculty Senate as president, United Way fundraising, enrollment taskforce, and the academic support center taskforce. Rachel is committed to the college’s mission of “keeping students at the center of everything we do” through her work in and out of the classroom.

In addition to her B.S. Ed., Rachel earned a Master of Science in Education and a graduate certificate in College Access and Success from Temple University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Improvement for Educational Leaders at the University of Delaware.