MUSC Health nurses around SC honored with Palmetto Gold Award

The Palmetto Gold Award, presented annually by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation, highlights the top nurses from across the state who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their patients, profession and communities. This year’s honorees represent the Medical University of South Carolina’s dedication to advancing high-quality, compassionate care across South Carolina and transforming nursing education.

This award is awarded to the top 100 nurses in the state every year. MUSC is proud of the 15 nurse honorees whose dedication to patient care sets the standard for nursing excellence. 

The MUSC Health-Pee Dee Division had the most recipients of the Palmetto Gold Award, with 11 nurses representing the MUSC Health Florence, Marion and Black River medical centers and the Mullins Nursing Center. This recognition reinforces each facility’s commitment to supporting and investing in a culture that empowers nurses to shine and deliver the best quality care.

MUSC Health Florence Medical Center is especially proud to be the only hospital in South Carolina to have had nurses recognized every year since the program began. “This year, we are thrilled to celebrate 11 outstanding nurses who continue this legacy of excellence,” said Patricia McLeod, R.N., interim chief nursing officer at MUSC Health Florence, Marion and Black River medical centers. “To every nurse striving to make a difference – know that your dedication matters, your compassion is felt and your excellence does not go unnoticed. I encourage each of you to continue leading with purpose, practicing with integrity and reaching for this incredible honor. You are the future of Palmetto Gold.”

These exceptional nurses include:

Florence Medical Center

• Joanalyn Nobleza, R.N.

• Gwen Lowery, R.N. 

• Felicia McQueen, R.N. 

• Christi Stubbs, R.N.

Black River Medical Center

• Kim James, R.N.

• Brittany Walker, R.N. 

• Milton Richards, R.N.

• Brandy Hysong, R.N.

Marion Medical Center

• Eboni Johnson, R.N. 

• Whitney Hewett, R.N. 

• Angela Thompson, R.N., Mullins Nursing Center

“Anything I do that’s nursing related is not for accolades. I do it because it’s from my heart, and I love what I do – otherwise I wouldn’t do it this long. I enjoy what I do, so I think it makes it worthwhile; it’s not the same as a job. I’m sure there are others that are far more deserving than me, but I’m pleased about it,” said Gwen Lowery, R.N., who’s been with Florence Medical Center for 43 years. 

The MUSC College of Nursing is also proud to announce that two outstanding nursing professionals from the Charleston Division, associate professor Sharon Kozachik, Ph.D., R.N., and nursing instructor Amy Smith DNP, APRN, have been named recipients of the 2025 Palmetto Gold Award.  These two women are dedicated to educating the next generation of care providers within the College of Nursing. Colleagues say that their hard work and dedication is inspiring to all who work with them.

“We are deeply proud of the extraordinary nurses being honored,” said Catherine O. Durham, DNP, APRN, dean of the MUSC College of Nursing. “These remarkable individuals exemplify the qualities we strive to instill in every MUSC nursing student. Their leadership and dedication reflect the heart of our mission and serve as a powerful inspiration for the next generation of nurses across South Carolina.” 

The MUSC Health-Midlands Division had two recipients: Jennifer Minick, R.N., and division director Stacy Branham, R.N., honored for their unwavering dedication to the profession of nursing. 

"We are thrilled to see our nurses receive this well-deserved honor," said Lance Coleman, R.N., chief nursing officer of the Midlands Division. "Their unwavering hard work and compassion make a lasting impact – not just on our patients but also on the future of nursing across South Carolina."

The 2025 Palmetto Gold Gala, where recipients will be officially honored, will take place on April 26 in Columbia. Proceeds from the event support scholarships for nursing students across South Carolina, furthering the mission of excellence in nursing education and practice.