The Panhandle Great 25 Nurses celebration began with the vision of Dr. Valerie Kiper, a dedicated nurse leader who recognized the need to honor nursing excellence in the Texas Panhandle. Inspired by the success of the DFW Great 100 Nurses, she brought together local nurse leaders in 2015 to make this vision a reality.
Working with Texas Nurses Association – District 2 (TNA-D2) and community partners, the founding group* launched the first celebration in 2016 with a clear mission: to recognize and celebrate nurses for their service across the entire continuum of care—from clinical practice to education, leadership, and advocacy.
What began as a recognition event has evolved into the most prestigious nursing honor in the Texas Panhandle. Each year, the celebration not only honors exceptional nurses but also supports their professional growth through scholarships for both entry-level and advanced nursing degrees. Since its founding, the organization has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners.
In 2025, the organization took a significant step forward, becoming independent and forming the Panhandle Great 25 Nurses Foundation. In collaboration with the Amarillo Area Foundation, a component fund was created to further the mission. As a tribute to Dr. Kiper’s legacy, the Foundation is building the Dr. Valerie Kiper Endowment Fund to ensure long-term support for nursing education, recognition, and expanded healthcare access across the Texas Panhandle.
“Recognizing nurses isn’t just about their accomplishments—it’s about lifting the profession and inspiring others to serve with excellence, compassion, and leadership.” — Dr. Valerie Kiper
Today, we continue Dr. Kiper’s vision—honoring the nurses who make a lasting difference in lives across our communities every day.
