Three legacies centered on the power of connection UNIVERSITY
A CULTURE OF CARING
DEAR COLLEAGUES, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,
This past year at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our continued growth in space, talent, and overall world-class excellence reflects the unwavering commitment of our community and the shared vision we hold for the future of health care.
We remain proud to hold the top U.S. News ranking for our online graduate programs, while our pre- and post-licensure board pass rates and our stellar faculty and students underscore the strength of our academic foundation. This has also been a record-breaking year in both research grant funding and philanthropic support for the college, which empowers us to innovate and lead.
In this issue, you’ll discover stories showcasing the far-reaching impact of our faculty’s research, touching the lives of individuals and families facing cancer, supporting newborns in their first moments, and strengthening neighborhoods through community health initiatives. Our global reach is also expanding, with exciting new opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning and cross-cultural exchanges around the world.
We have launched several academic programs aligned with the evolving needs of our state’s workforce and health optimization. And throughout the year, the dedication and brilliance of our students, alumni, and donors have illuminated every corner of the college and beyond.
As we look ahead, I’m filled with hope and energy for all that’s to come. Thank you for being part of this journey—your continued partnership and belief in our mission fuel everything we do.
Together, we are shaping the future of nursing.
Jeannette O. Andrews Ph.D., RN, FAAN Dean and Helen Gurley Wolford Professor of Nursing
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DEAN JEANNETTE O. ANDREWS
FALL 2025
Director of Communications and Public Relations
Nicole Meares
Communications Manager
Rebecca Lang
Lead Senior Director of Development
Monica Cromer
Director of Alumni Affairs
Tyler DiPalma
Development Coordinator
Erica Neet
Contributing Writers
Chris Horn, Rebekah Friedman, Beth Nease, Curisa Tucker
Contributing Photographers
Bonnie Smith, Kim Truett
Designer and Illustrator
Francesca Novotny
College of Nursing University of South Carolina 1601 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29208
sc.edu/nursing
Phone: 803-777-7412
@UofSCNursing
CONTENTS
INSIDE THE ISSUE
6 / Nursing beyond the classroom
Global education opportunities enrich education and prepare students to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive patient care.
8 / A nursing leader emerges
Nursing alumna Jessica Gonzalez's unwavering pursuit of knowledge led her to a transformative leadership role.
12 / A culture of caring
Three legacies centered on care shape the future of Gamecock nursing and health outcomes for the state.
16 / Poor neighborhoods, health care barriers are factors for heart disease risk in Black mothers
Curisa Tucker's recent study reveals that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods significantly increases the risk of peripartum cardiomyopathy.
22 / 2024 alumni award winners
From early career practitioners to established nursing leaders, the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award winners exemplify the college's values and mission.
The University of South Carolina is an equal opportunity institution.
BRIEFS
Setting the standard in nursing education
For the fifth consecutive year, USC's College of Nursing was ranked No. 1 in the nation for its online master’s in nursing program by U.S. News & World Report. The college also earned national recognition for its specialized programs, ranking No. 7 for its online master’s in nursing education and placing in the top 20 for its traditional master’s program. These rankings reflect the college’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and innovation in nursing education. The college's excellence is further demonstrated by students ranking in the top 1 percent nationally for pass rates on the NCLEX, a key indicator of clinical preparedness and professional readiness.
INNOVATION IN PROGRESS
A new Biobehavioral Research Center will offer dedicated space on our Columbia campus to support faculty research, expand expertise and drive improvements in health outcomes across South Carolina and beyond.
The construction contract was awarded in early July, and preparations are underway, including equipment procurement and coordination with vendors, to bring the center to life in 2026.
BY THE NUMBERS
2 National League of Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education Designations
$ Grant funding in the past two years
19 MILLION $
670 K in scholarships, traineeships and departmental support
24% of USC Nursing Faculty hold distinguished national fellowships
New learning pathways transform the future of care
The College of Nursing continues to drive transformation in nursing education, innovation and health care delivery across the state and beyond.
At the heart of this momentum is the launch of South Carolina’s only accredited nurse-midwifery education program. Led by Jennifer Baumstark , the program addresses a critical maternal health need and prepares nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care throughout the lifespan — from prenatal to primary care.
With a projected 40% job growth in midwifery over the next decade, the program is poised to be a game-changer for health outcomes in South Carolina. Plans are already underway to expand offerings with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) track in nurse-midwifery by 2026.
Licensed RNs looking to elevate their careers can also explore three RN-to-MSN online tracks including Healthcare Leadership, Nursing Education and Nursing Informatics. These programs are designed for working professionals and offer licensed RNs flexibility and proven academic support.
This new graduate pathway provides accessible, online training for registered nurses. A statewide network of clinical partnerships — including Prisma Health, the USC School of Medicine Columbia, and 10 midwifery practices across South Carolina — will provide hands-on training and support.
“It’s exciting to think about adding to the midwifery workforce,” she says. “Creating a sustainable nursemidwifery program is much needed. Graduates will know how to care for, empower and advocate for women.”
To help combat the projected nursing shortage in South Carolina, the college also rolled out a new DNP in Nursing Education concentration— the first of its kind in the state. The program is designed to prepare professional nurses to enter educational roles within both colleges and universities as well as work in hospital systems.
With bold new programs and a clear vision for improving health outcomes across the Palmetto State, USC Nursing is leading with purpose — and transforming the future of care.
THINK BOLD:
Investing in the Next Generation of Nurses Begins with Us
I found my way to the Gamecock Nursing Nation first as a student and later, proudly, as faculty. Like many nurses, my journey back into academia began with a desire to make a greater impact— not only on patients, but on future nurses. I was teaching at Western Carolina University when my interest in nursing research pulled me to pursue a PhD. The problem? Like so many in our field, I couldn’t afford to stop working to earn another degree.
So, I returned to full-time work as a nurse leader facilitating research with a health care organization that offered tuition reimbursement. While I gained invaluable experience, I deeply missed the academic environment and, most of all, my students. That’s why accepting a faculty position at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing in 2024 felt like coming home. Thanks to the BOLD Career Pathways Nursing Faculty Loan Program, I was finally able to finish my Ph.D. program in May 2025 — coursework and dissertation — without the worry of financial repercussions.
BOLD, which stands for Better Outcomes, Less Debt, is more than just a catchy acronym. It’s a lifeline for aspiring nurse educators. The program offers up to $30,000 per academic year in tuition reimbursement in exchange for a commitment to serve in a full-time nursing faculty role for at least two years post-graduation — up to a total of $90,000. The application process is refreshingly simple, and program representatives regularly check in to ensure participants have everything they need to succeed.
This kind of support isn’t just helpful, it’s critical. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nearly 2,000 full-time nursing faculty vacancies were reported in 2023. That’s thousands of
100% Full-time faculty doctorally prepared
potential students left waiting, and thousands of future nurses we’re not training fast enough. The shortage isn’t due to a lack of interest—it’s due to a lack of resources and pathways.
I know there are many nurses out there like me — mid-career professionals, empty nesters, or simply those ready to take the next step — who feel called to give back to the profession by educating the next generation. But for too many, the high cost of doctoral education becomes a deal-breaker.
That’s where BOLD changes everything.
Becoming a nurse educator has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career. I get to shape not only the skills, but also the values and vision of future nurses. And thanks to BOLD, I’ve done it without compromising my financial future.
So, to any nurse out there dreaming of earning that doctorate and stepping into the classroom: Don’t let the cost stop you. Think BOLD. Go for it. The future of nursing depends on people like you — and programs like this.
Scan the QR code to learn more about the BOLD Pathway program.
Beth Nease is an associate professor and research and scholarship practice partnership liaison in the College of Nursing.
MENTORSHIP CONNECTION
Students and alumni share their perspectives
Ashley Martin, student
As I was preparing to start upper division, I knew expectations would be higher and the workload more demanding. Thanks to my mentor's support, I became excited about the challenge.
Chuck’s mentorship has truly been meaningful in preparing me for the field of health care. His advice was rooted in years of experience and showed me what it means to truly care for others, not just with skill but compassion.
Whenever I felt overwhelmed, Chuck reminded me that success doesn’t come from tackling everything all at once, but from steady, incremental progress.
Through his guidance, I learned to approach obstacles with patience and the strategy of breaking things down into manageable steps.
Having someone with experience guide and encourage you is truly so special. It is an experience that will stay with you and make a real difference in your journey.
Charles Benninger, ʼ83 MSN
I joined the mentorship program because I love to help people grow professionally.
My 45+ years of experience as a staff nurse in multiple settings, plus a nurse executive and a health care system CEO, will hopefully help a student entering the nursing field.
Ashley has an enthusiasm to learn and a desire to grow personally and professionally, which is a great attribute to see in a student.
This program provides an opportunity for the mentor to help the mentee get through some of the academic program challenges and stress.
It builds a support relationship; provides an additional source of information; and at times, maintains a stress vent for the mentee.
Seeing Ashley achieve personal goals with a willingness to learn new things makes me feel proud.
The collegeʼs mentorship program connects seasoned professionals with aspiring health care students. To get involved, contact Tyler DiPalma at dipalma@mailbox.sc.edu
NURSING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
by Rebecca Lang
For the past decade, the college's Global Nursing Education program has offered students the opportunity to combine adventure with education thanks to study abroad programs in Germany and the Netherlands.
During Spring Break 2025, nursing students traveled across the pond to Germany, visiting Munich, Nuremberg, Erlangen and Bamberg – fully immersing themselves in German culture. The group consisted of 13 nursing students, including four students in the Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing Program, assistant professor Kelly Niermeier and associate professor and Global Nursing Education coordinator, Stephanie Armstrong
One of the most memorable experiences for the group was engaging with nursing students at the Lutheran University of Applied Sciences, where the college has maintained a partnership for over 10 years.
“Studying abroad offers our nursing students an invaluable opportunity to expand their understanding of other cultures,” says Armstrong. “Our recent trip to Germany provided firsthand experience with an international health care system, allowing students to observe diverse clinical practices, enhance their critical thinking skills and develop a deeper appreciation for global health perspectives.”
Other highlights included touring the University Medical Hospital in Erlangen (Universitätsklinikum Erlangen) and visiting the Siemens Healthineers MedMuseum.
Global Nursing Education coordinator Stephanie Armstrong with students in Germany during study abroad
Students were also able to explore several significant historical and cultural landmarks.
“My favorite part was getting to experience a meal in a German home,” said nursing student Kerrigan Drew. “The professor who hosted our trip, Jürgen, made dinner for our group... it’s not typically an experience you would have if you were to travel alone or on a trip. I think it was an amazing and unique opportunity to get a glimpse of German culture and customs in the home setting.”
The college's Global Education Program recently expanded its reach by developing new partnerships with international nursing programs. Beginning December 2025, students can study abroad in Paris, France. Additionally, the college is in the early stages of planning a program in the Dominican Republic, with the first trip anticipated for Spring 2027.
With growing interest in the programs, Armstrong notes “these experiences not only enrich our students' education but also prepare them to provide more compassionate and culturally sensitive patient care in an increasingly interconnected world.”
These experiences not only enrich our students' education but also prepare them to provide more compassionate and culturally sensitive patient care in an increasingly interconnected world.
Stephanie Armstrong
2025 PARIS TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
• Université Paris Cité - College of Nursing
• The Museum of the History of Medicine
• The Eiffel Tower
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Louvre, Musee de Orsay, Picasso, Dior, Centre Pompidou or Quai Branley
• Christmas markets
NURSING PROGRAMS
GERMANY
NETHERLANDS
FRANCE
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
A nursing leader emerges
by Chris Horn
Jessica Gonzalez’s path to becoming a nurse had a few detours along the way, including a stint as a science instructor.
But Gonzalez, an assistant nursing professor, is poised for new heights. She was recently selected by Jonas Philanthropies to become a Jonas Scholar, an elite cohort of emerging nursing leaders. And her current Ph.D. research, which focuses on disparities in breast cancer diagnoses, was recognized by the NIH with an R25 training grant.
Gonzalez — who has earned BA, BSN, MSN and DNP degrees from the University of South Carolina — hopes to complete her Ph.D. next year.
“If I can be consistent and hardworking, I think I can achieve it,” she says.
That shouldn’t be a reach, given the determination Gonzalez has demonstrated thus far. It began when she earned a bachelor’s in psychology from USC more than 15 years ago and then worked in mental health rehabilitation and at a battered women’s shelter before returning to pursue a nursing degree.
Because she had done so well in anatomy and physiology prerequisite courses, Midlands Technical College recruited her to teach lab sections of those courses to its nursing students. She earned an online master’s of science degree and then added the lecture sections of those courses. But she felt something was missing.
“At some point, I realized that the reason I had taken anatomy and physiology in the first place was to become a nurse,” Gonzalez recalls. So, she refocused her efforts on nursing.
Gonzalez’s work ethic kicked into overdrive as she worked to become an LPN, gave birth to the first of three children, then completed an associate degree in
nursing before earning a bachelor’s in nursing from USC Upstate. While working as a registered nurse, she pursued a master’s in healthcare leadership (formerly nursing administration) from the College of Nursing on the Columbia campus.
“I tend to gravitate into leadership positions,” she says. “I think it’s my personality — I like to be able to see things at a systems level and make changes.”
Her master’s thesis focused on breast cancer health. Then — two days before her interview for USC’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program — Gonzalez herself was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I remember getting a little teary eyed when they asked me what I wanted to do for my project in the DNP program,” she says. “I was starting to go through the process and already recognizing some of the flaws in the system of breast cancer care. That made it very easy to know what I was going to do in my DNP.”
Gonzalez’s cancer was detected early, and following successful surgery, she began teaching. As she pursues her Ph.D., she hopes to effect change at the system level, evaluating the breast cancer health process to address disparities in diagnoses.
“There is a lot of research into why Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer — 40 percent more likely — but there’s no clear answer,” Gonzalez says.
While she currently focuses on breast cancer, Gonzalez envisions her future research encompassing women’s health issues more broadly, perhaps using big data and artificial intelligence tools to drive the work.
“MIT has a great program that is showing promise as a better predictor for earlier identification of breast cancer,” she says. “I would love to do something similar.”
FACULTY AWARDS
The Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award was presented to Jennifer Taylor for her energetic, adaptable and deeply committed approach to student success. Faculty nominators praised her for developing targeted resources, collaborating with teaching teams to close learning gaps, and designing innovative simulations that enhance understanding of foundational nursing concepts.
The Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award was presented to Kimberly Taylor for her passion for teaching, innovative strategies and unwavering dedication to student success. She has transformed the student experience in the Healthcare Leadership program by streamlining clinical projects, enhancing documentation processes through Lean Six Sigma, and improving both efficiency and learning outcomes.
The Outstanding DNP Project was presented to Sarah Clement . Her project on RN retention offers timely, practical solutions for improving job satisfaction across a multigenerational workforce — an especially pressing issue amid South Carolina’s looming nursing shortage.
The Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation was presented to Anna Kell. Her dissertation breaks new ground in nursing research, advancing health equity through a focus on culturally deaf and hard of hearing young adults. Her innovative educational tools are already shaping future nurse practitioner training.
New Employees
Faculty
Sarah Clement , assistant professor
Kathryn Frankel, Pipeline Faculty Fellow
Jessica Gonzales, assistant professor
Katharine Harding , assistant professor
Anna Kell, assistant professor
Dana Martin, associate professor
Rebecca Morrison, assistant professor
Susan Danielle Quinn, assistant professor
Christine Ralyea, Center for Nursing Leadership director and associate professor
Meera Suthar, assistant professor
Staff
Tyler DiPalma, director of alumni affairs
Susan Gums, operations coordinator
Gwendolyn Murphy, CNL Nurse Coordinator
Lakshmi Priyanka Yagateela, project coordinator
Jessica Scott , business and grants operations specialist
CANCER REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
According to the American Lung Cancer Association, approximately 47,000 South Carolinians lived with lung cancer between 2000 and 2021. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Department of Public Health reports colorectal cancer as the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the state.
Yet not all patients receive treatment after a cancer diagnosis. Whether due to poor health, treatment refusal or other systemic barriers, these gaps underscore the urgent need for equitable cancer care.
Swann Adams , College of Nursing and Arnold School of Public Health professor, is determined to change that.
Backed by a new five-year NIH RO1 grant, her work seeks to dismantle barriers to treatment and reduce disparities in cancer care outcomes.
A Career Rooted in Addressing Disparities
Adams has dedicated her career to examining cancer disparities, from prevention and screening to diagnosis and survivorship. Her latest study marks a culmination of this work, but the path to securing the prestigious NIH RO1 grant was far from straightforward.
“My mentor once told me, ‘Don’t fall in love with your own idea,’” Adams recalls. That advice guided her through the rigorous and iterative grant process, ensuring her research objectives remained focused on meaningful impact.
Why This Study Matters
Despite decades of advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, the persistent disparities affecting minority and underserved populations reveal a critical gap in health care equity.
“Research has immense potential, but when it stays confined to academia, it loses its power to make a difference in people’s everyday lives,” Adams explains.
Her study aims to bridge this gap by leveraging data in actionable ways like empowering individuals
to advocate for their health, informing legislative efforts and translating effective community-clinical interventions into practice.
A Systems-Level Approach
Guided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities research framework, Adams’ multi-disciplinary team will address disparities by getting a holistic understanding of the linkages, barriers and opportunities affecting communities.
In the first two years of the study, the research team will build a comprehensive dataset to identify disparities in survival outcomes for lung and colon cancer patients. After the data is collected, an advisory board of community leaders, organizations and clinicians will help guide the development of actionable, multi-level interventions.
“This is a unique opportunity to address a critical gap in understanding racial cancer disparities, particularly among younger cancer survivors.”
Data-Driven Solutions with Community Collaboration
Long-standing community partnerships and unique data resources will ensure the quality and integrity of the data.
To date, the team has submitted six data requests to state agencies and has received data from the South Carolina Central Cancer Registry. They are working closely with the SC Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office to secure the remaining datasets. While the process is complex, it helps the team remain on track with the grant timeline.
“By collaborating with the community, we ensure the data aligns with real-world experiences. This co-learning approach fosters meaningful change,” says Adams.
TOP 30s in NIH funding among U.S. Colleges of Nursing four consecutive years
by Rebekah Friedman
FROM IMPROVING OUTCOMES
for premature babies to nurturing research advancements in chronic illness to strengthening the next generation of nursing leadership, University of South Carolina faculty members Robin Dail, Cindy Corbett and Jeanne Cavanaugh have had careers worth celebrating. While these three center directors are retiring this year, their legacies will endure through their centers’ continued impact at USC and beyond.
ROBIN DAIL
Perinatal, Pediatrics, and Family Research Center
In 1999, neonatal nurse practitioner Robin Dail stumbled across a small Canadian study that got her thinking: Could wrapping premature babies in cocoon-like plastic bags prevent hypothermia?
Dail’s first-ever research study showed that the simple plastic bag intervention stabilized body temperatures in the delivery room better than standard care. Within a few years, her findings were implemented into delivery protocols worldwide, preventing hypothermia in countless babies.
That experience ignited Dail’s fervor for neonatal research, something she brought with her to the University of South Carolina College of Nursing in 2017. Since then, she has conducted and fostered other high-impact studies as director of the Perinatal, Pediatrics, and Family Research Center, a research group that evolved into a formally recognized university center in 2022.
There’s a reason for including maternal and family health in the team’s research focus.
“The morbidities that come with being a premature infant affect the family for a lifetime,” Dail says. “And more and more it’s become clear that the mother is putting her baby first at the expense of her own health. Sometimes the reason the mother has a premature baby is because she's not well herself.”
In addition to its core faculty from the College of Nursing, the PPFRC accepts affiliate faculty from other universities and associate
faculty from other USC academic units. Take Jessica Bradshaw, a psychology researcher who investigates autism signs in infancy and early childhood.
“Our common denominator is dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system,” Dail says. “We talked for a while and thought, ‘Wow, we could look at this together because we were looking at similar things.’”
Even though Dail is shifting gears into retirement — passing the center leadership to nursing colleagues Tisha Felder and Jewel Scott — she isn’t stepping back completely. In April, she was awarded a second R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health. This project, another collaboration with Bradshaw, will examine neonatal autonomic nervous system dysfunction as a predictor of autism in preterm infants.
Babies born prematurely experience significantly higher rates of autism spectrum disorder. The link, Dail says, could be the stress of neonatal hospitalization on the babies’ underdeveloped nervous systems. Her team will collect body temperature and heart rate data on 260 Prisma Health NICU infants to look for abnormal
readings, then compare that with ASD assessment data until the children turn 3 years old.
“It’s going to be a controversial hypothesis,” she says. “Do NICU stress and underdeveloped nervous systems equate to getting autism later on? That’s the crux of the grant.”
CINDY CORBETT
Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation
In South Carolina, 60 percent of adults live with a chronic disease. Forty percent live with two or more. It is the leading cause of death and disabilities, and nationally, it accounts for more than 90 percent of health care costs each year.
Statistics like these resonate with Cindy Corbett
The former associate dean of research and interim vice chancellor for research at Washington State University Spokane came to USC’s College of Nursing in 2017 to continue studying topics like chronic illness self-management. And as a SmartState endowed chair, Corbett had the funding and vision to create a center for other researchers seeking to advance chronic care science.
“If we could bring together people with different strengths and provide more infrastructure and resources, then that would make people more successful in conducting research and getting funded for research to improve those outcomes,” Corbett says.
That gave rise to the Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation, or ACORN. Since then, Corbett and co-director Lorie Donelle, the college’s Emily Myrtle Smith Endowed Professor of Nursing, have focused on creating a nurturing, positive atmosphere. The approach has been well-received, and ACORN has grown to 26 members.
“We’ve tried to make it a supportive environment, someplace where people feel safe discussing issues they might have,” Corbett says. “And I think that we've been really successful in doing that. Some of the new faculty have said it's helped them make connections with people because it's a little smaller than the department or the college.”
ACORN has also grown its presence in the Palmetto State by building community partnerships. One partnership is with the Humanities Foundation, which builds affordable living communities for seniors and families. The other is with the Wiley Kennedy Family Life Center, where ACORN hosts wellness presentations for older adults. The outreach is mutually beneficial.
“Center members can talk about their research and give that knowledge in a way the community can use it, and the community can inform what type of chronic care research would be important,” Corbett says.
She believes her most meaningful contribution to the college has been her mentorship of countless faculty members and students as they’ve sought guidance on research and grants. And that impact won’t end with her retirement.
“Hopefully, I’ll leave that legacy with the people who I’ve mentored who will then turn into really good mentors themselves,” she says.
JEANNE CAVANAUGH
Center for Nursing Leadership
Jeanne Cavanaugh remembers watching her father leave for work at sunrise. A family practitioner, her father worked long hours, often traveling down dirt roads — black doctor’s bag in hand — to visit patients in nearby rural towns. Thinking about her parents sometimes brings tears to her eyes because it reminds her why she went into nursing.
“I grew up with a father who took care of his community, and a mother who took care of six children,” Cavanaugh says. “So much of who I am is because of how my parents raised us, and their love of community is seen in all six of us.”
Cavanaugh was a nursing director at Prisma Health for 38 years before joining the College of Nursing as director of clinical partnerships in 2016. In the years since, she has taken on additional leadership roles — first as director of the Amy V. Cockcroft Leadership Fellowship program and later as director of the Center for Nursing Leadership. Nurses, she says, are committed to care at every level of their careers, even when those careers lead beyond clinical practice. The Cockcroft Fellowship is a way the college demonstrates that commitment by caring for the profession’s leaders. To date, more than 300 fellows have completed the program.
“There are many executives today who are fellowship graduates,” she says. “When I look at letters of support for new applicants, many are from
Cockcroft Fellowship alumni who are now in executive roles. It really is rewarding to see their growth, and then they’re turning around and supporting younger leaders in their professional development.”
One of those executives, former Prisma Health Midlands chief nursing officer Tina Ralyea, will succeed Cavanagh as center director this fall and has already begun transitioning into the new role. Ralyea completed the fellowship this year.
As part of Cavanaugh’s role with the center, she and Dean Jeannette Andrews travel throughout the year to meet with chief nursing officers at health care systems across the state. Their goal is to learn what these CNOs need and to strengthen relationships in support of the future health care workforce. So far, their efforts have been a resounding success. One recent visit in the Lowcountry led to the relaunch of an inactive student placement program.
“The relationships we have established across South Carolina with major health care systems are extremely strong, and that has really come out of this center work,” she says. “Our clinical partners impact our students’ success tremendously.”
Each step forward, she emphasizes, ultimately boils down to the profession’s commitment to caring.
“With any of the roles I’ve been asked to fulfill, it’s all about caring — whether that’s for a nurse practitioner graduate student, whether it’s a nurse leader in a clinical health system, whether it’s a chief nursing officer who needs support in that role — it’s about caring for others. That’s really what we do well as nurses.”
Poor neighborhoods, health care barriers are factors for heart disease risk in Black mothers
by Curisa Tucker
Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood contributes to a rare form of heart failure known as peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially deadly disease that disproportionately affects Black mothers.
That’s the key finding of my recent study, published in February 2025 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy can occur in pregnant or postpartum mothers during late pregnancy up to five months after birth. The disease is difficult to identify and is often misdiagnosed. Multiple studies estimate that 7% to 20% of U.S. mothers who have it don’t survive.
As a nurse scientist with a research focus on maternal health equity, I wanted to learn more about the factors that cause peripartum cardiomyopathy.
My team and I examined more than 7.3 million birth records in California between 1997 and 2019. By using the neighborhood deprivation index, which measures socioeconomic disadvantage in a geographic area, we linked hospital discharge and vital records information up to 12 months postpartum follow-up on each woman. From that data, we developed a more complete picture on why women developed the illness.
We found that living in poor neighborhoods with fewer resources was associated with a 20% to 70% increased risk of developing this disease. Those in the most under-resourced neighborhoods – areas with less access to nutritious food, stable housing and quality health care – had the highest risk. This was true even after accounting for other factors, like income, race, high blood pressure and obesity.
But living in highly stressed neighborhoods explained only part of the reason for the higher rates of
peripartum cardiomyopathy in Black women. We found that even if they lived in better neighborhoods, Black women were still more than three times as likely to develop the condition than others.
WHY IT MATTERS
Our findings suggest deeper issues are contributing to the increase in the disease, particularly in Black women. Barriers to health care are critical. These include insurance gaps, transportation issues, the biases of doctors and other providers and inadequate access to care.
A better understanding of these factors can help policymakers develop effective interventions for all women at risk and reallocate resources – and dollars –to prevent disparities in maternal health outcomes. Pregnancy itself causes increased stress on the heart.
WHAT STILL ISN’T KNOWN
Our study only points to neighborhood disinvestment and chronic high blood pressure as contributors to the risk of peripartum cardiomyopathy. Unanswered questions remain about the other causes.
More research is needed to fully understand how social determinants of health, which are the environmental conditions where people are born, live, work and play, affect health outcomes.
For example, these communities are often food deserts – places with limited access to healthy food and larger supermarkets. Overcrowded or poor-quality housing also contribute to stress and health problems. So does the lack of safe space for physical activity.
WHAT’S NEXT
My future work will focus on further identifying the key factors that influence peripartum cardiomyopathy risk, such as economic stability and the effects of environmental stressors, like pollution.
I’ll also track the long-term health of peripartum cardiomyopathy survivors to understand how social factors affect recovery. My ultimate goal is to inform policies and practices that reduce disparities and improve maternal heart health for all.
This article was written by College of Nursing assistant professor Curisa Tucker and is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
A better understanding of these factors can help policymakers develop effective interventions for all women at risk and reallocate resources – and dollars – to prevent disparities in maternal health outcomes. Curisa Tucker
ZANTORIA GOODWIN: A rising star in nursing
by Rebecca Lang
Each student has a story that inspires their journey into nursing. For Zantoria Goodwin, inspiration for nursing comes from her passion to help others during their most vulnerable moments. A Columbia native, Goodwin is driven to serve her community with compassion, ensuring high-quality health care for all patients — no matter their background.
Recently accepted into the College of Nursing’s upper division program, Goodwin is most excited to learn more about maternal and child health — her current specialty focus.
“I love the idea of supporting patients through such a meaningful and emotional experience,” she says.
“Being there when life is being brought into the world is incredibly powerful and humbling. I want to provide not only skilled care but also comfort, encouragement and advocacy for every patient I serve during this special time.”
Goodwin has already begun shaping her path in health care through active involvement on and off campus. She serves as the co-public relations chair for the Black Medical Student Association, a College of Nursing ambassador, a CON Creator and a member of the Maternal Child Health LEAP Program, all while working as a nursing technician at Lexington Medical Center. When asked how she manages her many responsibilities, Goodwin shares, “one of the best ways I stay motivated is by always remembering my ‘why’ — the reason I chose
nursing in the first place. Whether it's wanting to make a difference in people’s lives, advocating for underserved communities, or being a comforting presence for patients, keeping that purpose in mind helps push me through tough moments.”
Looking Ahead
Goodwin's journey is just beginning, but her commitment to serving others is already making an impact — both on campus and in the community she calls home.
“I hope to complete a nurse residency program in maternal and child health and to gain valuable experience in the field. I see myself working as a labor and delivery or postpartum nurse, providing compassionate and personalized care to mothers and newborns. Eventually, I plan to enroll in a graduate program. My goal is to continue to find ways to grow both personally and professionally.”
TOP CHOICE for nursing students in South Carolina
STUDENT AWARDS
The College of Nursing is proud to celebrate the service, scholarship, leadership and character of our outstanding students each spring.
Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award: Elizabeth Davis
This award is given to the student who consistently contributed to growing their knowledge of research and scholarship in nursing science.
Outstanding Service to the College of Nursing: Carolina Wilson
This award is given to the student who has consistently volunteered time for the improvement of the college, university, and the nursing profession.
This award is presented to a student who has displayed evidence of a high level of critical thinking in the clinical area and/or extraordinary patient-centered care.
Outstanding Undergraduate Community Service Award: Nicole Hurley
This award is given for evidence of sustained community service either within a group or individually.
Outstanding Undergraduate Leadership Award: Sophia Johnson
This award is given to the outstanding student who has consistently been recognized by peers, faculty, and organizations as an excellent leader.
The Undergraduate Nursing Impact Award: Camryn Cothran
This award is given to the student who contributes to the development of nursing's mission of advocacy to support health equity and social justice, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Academic Excellence Award: Addisen Simpson
This award is given to a traditional senior student with the highest institutional GPA based on the highest institutional credit hours earned at USC.
From left to right, Nicole Hurley, Sophia Johnson, Emily Holmes, Eliza Davis and Camryn Cothran
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Andrea Johnson & Casey Cline
Mother-daughter duo Casey Cline and Andrea Johnson reached a shared milestone in Spring 2025 — both earning MSNs in Healthcare Leadership and Nursing Education, respectively. Their journey reflects a powerful bond and shared passion for nursing and lifelong learning.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
Casey: Nursing runs in my family. Both my mom and grandmother were nurses for many years. I have always taken care of people, so it seemed like a good fit. Once I began clinicals in 2013 as a BSN student, I knew that nursing was the place for me.
Andrea: I am a proud fourth-generation nurse, but the profession wasn’t my first choice. At 21 years old, I simply needed a job, and mom encouraged me to work in a local nursing home. Each day, I witnessed the skilled, compassionate care that restores dignity and comfort. The experience convinced me that nursing was where I truly belonged.
What encouraged you to attend the same college at the same time?
Casey: We are born Gamecocks. I have always wanted a degree from here. I want to change the future for nurses,
and that means leadership. The online nursing program has a great reputation, so I knew their Healthcare Leadership track would help me reach my goal.
Andrea: The university has always felt like home. The college's No. 1 ranking for online MSN programs, multiple years running, made the decision easy. Enrolling together meant built-in accountability partners, double the school spirit and one unforgettable family milestone.
Did being in the MSN program together offer any unexpected lessons?
Casey: It was nice to be able to share this experience with Andrea. We had the same breaks, got to know the college schedule, and discussed the program together. On FaceTime, we talked about the curriculum and difficult assignments or group projects. I was also able to share some textbooks with her, which was a savings.
Andrea: Working on a group project while living in different states reminded us how much clear communication matters. Comparing assignments, trading resources, and simply talking things through gave us both a better understanding of each other's specialties and showed how collaboration can bridge both distance and disciplines.
What message would you share with other families considering going back to school together?
Casey: I think the experience is less stressful when you have someone to share it with, especially for non-traditional students. You can commiserate on tough classes or weeks, but also celebrate the good weeks, semester ends and then graduation. The support you provide for each other is unmatched by any other experience. It's been a lot of fun.
Andrea: Do it – together! The journey is demanding, but a shared experience turns stress into teamwork and triumphs into family victories. Even 950 miles apart, we leaned on each other for pep talks, quick reality checks, and the occasional proofreading session.
What does it mean to you to graduate together?
Casey: Andrea is my firstborn. It is amazing for me to reach our dreams together, even many years later. I am so proud of the person she has become, and I am just honored to be part of this experience. We have always been close, but this has bonded us in a different way.
Andrea: Walking across the stage side by side brought four generations of nursing in our family into one unforgettable moment. My lifelong cheerleader was in the same cap and gown, proving that growth has no age limit and family legacies can evolve together. It’s a story we will be sharing and, hopefully, inspiring others with for years to come.
12,500+ USC nursing alumni in 49 states
ALUMNI COUNCIL
Stay connected with your alma mater and fellow alumni!
The College of Nursing Alumni Council fosters relationships between alumni and the college, offers career and networking opportunities and serves as an advisory group on alumni engagement. Help advocate for alumni needs, support the college through leadership and volunteerism and enhance our community. Get involved and make a difference!
To learn more contact Tyler DiPalma at dipalma@mailbox.sc.edu
2024-2025 Alumni Council Members
Council Chair: Lauren Booth, MSN ’21
Marissa Aldridge, MSN ’21
Amy Redd, BSN ’94 and DNP ’22
Anfel Crews, BSN ’04
Anne Gilkey, BSN ’06 and MSN ’12
Bonnie Dutton, BSN ’78
Charlie Tupper, BSN ’79
Chasity McCray, BSN ’15 and MSN ’21
Jeanne Felder, BSN ’88
Kelly Russin, BSN ’10, MSN ’18 and DNP ’21
Lan Nguyen, BSN ’09 and PhD ’23
Mary Kennedy, BSN ’93
Melissa Felder, MSN ’17 and DNP ’20
Michelle Parr, BSN ’09
Stephanie Studnicka, BSN ’93
Tammy Quarles, BSN ’79
Tracey Winchester, BSN ’94
From left to right, Dean Jeannette Andrews, Andrea Johnson and Casey Cline
ALUMNI AWARDS
Nursing alumni are care providers, educators, administrators, lawmakers and game-changers. Each fall the college recognizes alumni committed to service and nursing excellence. From early-career practitioners to established nursing leaders, the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award winners exemplify the College of Nursing’s values and mission.
Outstanding Young Nurse Alumni Award
Christina Storch, BSN ’20
Christina Storch graduated from the College of Nursing in May 2020. Due to the pandemic, she missed an official graduation but quickly joined Prisma Health Greenville working on the intermediate pulmonary floor, which became a COVID unit, before transitioning to pediatrics.
Storch took an early interest in travel nursing and accepted her first assignment in 2023 in the med-surge unit at Mary Bridge Children’s in Tacoma, Washington. She has also worked at Levine Children’s cardiac unit in Charlotte, North Carolina and at the University of Oklahoma Hospital. Currently, she works with AnMed in Anderson, South Carolina, and has earned Star Awards at both AnMed and Prisma Health.
Outstanding Nurse Alumni Award
Mary Kennedy, BNS ’94, DNP Healthcare Leadership candidate
The relationships Mary Kennedy built in nursing school have significantly influenced her personal and professional life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she relocated to help a community with its testing efforts, dedicating a year to pandemic response. She describes this decision as one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
After earning her MSN in 2022, she found her passion in teaching. Currently an instructor at USC Aiken’s School of Nursing, she brings 30 years of experience to the classroom and was recently honored with the Lamp of Learning Award by the May 2024 graduating class. Throughout her career, she’s worked with many inspiring nurses who have shaped her journey and strongly believes that nursing is the best profession and deeply respects its practice.
Stephanie Burgess
Christina Storch
Mary Kennedy
Outstanding Legacy Nurse Alumni Award
Stephanie Burgess, BSN ’75, MSN ’83, PhD ’03
Stephanie Burgess is a certified family nurse practitioner and retired distinguished clinical professor emeritus at the USC College of Nursing, where she earned her BSN, MSN and Ph.D.
With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, she has also held leadership roles including chair of the Richland Two School Board, past president of the South Carolina Nurses Association and current vice president for the Coalition for Access to Health Care.
Burgess has received numerous honors such as the S.C. Nurse Practitioner of the Year and the Palmetto Gold Award. Her contributions to health policy have driven major reforms, including over 10 legislative changes in APRN practice, the establishment of 20 nurse-led practices and 19 payer policy changes — saving the state over $100 million and enhancing access to primary care.
Her model of health policy reform has earned national and state recognition from organizations like the American Nurses Association and AARP. Burgess currently practices with S.C. House Calls, S.C. Department of Mental Health and Prisma Health.
Party on the Patio
Highlights from the college's 2024 alumni awards event where we honored three outstanding alumni for their accomplishments and dedication to our community's health and the health care industry.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Rhea Pridgen
From a young age, Rhea Pridgen, ’74 MSN, knew she wanted to be a nurse. As a high school student, she joined the medical career club and volunteered as a “Pink Lady” at a local hospital, eager to help others live healthier lives and reach their full potential.
Pridgen earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Stanford University in 1964. Early in her career, she held diverse roles. But public health nursing quickly became the focus of her life’s work, where she served high-risk communities in Philadelphia.
After becoming a single mother to her two-year-old daughter following a divorce, Pridgen made a pivotal decision to relocate to South Carolina. In 1971, she enrolled in the newly established Master’s of Science in Nursing program at the University of South Carolina.
“We were all excited to be part of something brand new,” she recalls. The launch of the program also marked the founding of the College of Nursing.
While pursuing her degree, Pridgen juggled the demands of school, work and motherhood. Thanks to a full scholarship and a teaching assistantship, she was able to focus on her education without financial stress. “The university gave me a full scholarship and a teaching assistantship that covered my tuition for the entire program,” she says. Pridgen became one of the first graduates of the program in 1974.
Her perseverance and the college’s support paved the way for a distinguished career. Before graduating, Pridgen accepted a position as a nursing consultant with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. She trained nurses across the state as part of the newly federally funded WIC and Family Planning programs.
Over the decades, Pridgen left a profound mark on health care policy and practice. She helped shape the Palmetto State’s Nursing Practice Act for Nurse Practitioners, secured grants, and launched AIDS prevention initiatives. Later, as an occupational health nurse for Eastman Kodak in Atlanta, she successfully advocated for nurse practitioners to gain prescribing authority.
Today, Pridgen sees the College of Nursing as a “powerhouse in nursing education.” She has established the Rhea Pendergrass Pridgen Nursing Endowed Fellowship Fund, which provides tuition assistance for USC MSN students. “I wanted to support MSN students by giving them the opportunity to get the kind of assistance I had,” she explains.
Rhea Pridgen’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the lasting impact of giving back.
DEAN'S CIRCLE
College of Nursing Dean’s Circle donors have an immediate and substantial impact on our ability to increase outreach, expand student scholarships, and ultimately change the future of nursing for the better. We recognize those who give $1,000+ annually.
Judith & Alan Alexander
Jeannette Andrews & Keith Nichols
Dorothea Armstrong
Lindy & George Beaver
Mike Biediger
Bruce & June Boggs
Lauren Booth & Eric Nord
Opal Brown
Helen Bryson
Frances Byrd
Bill Carswell
Carole Cato
Jeanne Cavanaugh
Sarah Cheesman
Chuck Chitty
Helen & Roger Coffman
Cecilia Cogdell
Stacy Collier
Columbia Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association
Nancy Comer
John & Karen Cooper
Cindy Corbett
Dara Corrigan
Joan Creed
CVS Corporation
Robin Dail
Robin Dawson
Rachel Dieter
Sara Donevant
Jimmy Douglas
Charles Felton
Rodney Fitzgibbon II
Elizabeth W. Fitzgerald
Catherine Gleason
Gary & Kimberly Glenn
Janice Green
Boyce Haigler
Jay & Carolyn Hamm
Anita & Allan Hammerbeck
Carolyn Harmon
Pattie Heady
Helene Fuld Health Trust
Wayne Herman
John & Kimberly Hilton
Angela Hoff
Mary K. Jackson
Kate Jones
Barbara Kellogg
Ron & Eileen Leaphart
Gary & Ginger Lee
Lexington Medical Center
Renatta Loquist
Gayenell Magwood
Jane McCombs
Karen & Thomas McDonnell
Betsy McDowell
Harry K. McMillan, Jr.
DeAnne Messias
Sheryl Mitchell
Dorothy Moore
Brenda Nauful
Cheryl Nelson
Joanne Olsen
Betty Parker
Mary Ann Parsons
Barbara Pierce
Rhea P. Pridgen
Prisma Health
Jake & Nicole Puglia
Christine M. Ralyea
BJ Roof
Jim & Caroline Seigler
Rallie & Ruth Seigler
Margaret Selph
Harry Sharp
Sigma Theta Tau International Inc.,
Alpha Xi Chapter #36
Mary Slade
Sarah Slone
Marilyn Sonnenberg
David L. Spinazzolo & Mary M. Morin
Martha & Jim Tingen
Karen Wickersham
Shape the future of nursing and improve patient outcomes across South Carolina and beyond. Contact Monica Cromer at monicam@mailbox.sc.edu to learn how to invest in our college.
CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Cocky is a symbol of school spirit synonymous with beak flaps and game-day fun but for young alumna Nicole Hurley, ’25, the mascot means more.
As a nursing student, she balanced a demanding program while bringing the beloved mascot to life for thousands of fans. Her dedication and volunteerism also earned her the college’s 2025 undergraduate community service award.
Now a pediatric oncology nurse at MUSC, Hurley carries that same spirit into her work, bringing joy and comfort to young patients.
“I’m here to fight for those kids and am next to them through their battle, big or small.”
