Outstanding Nurse Alumna Award:

The Outstanding Nurse Alumna Award is presented to Kelly Russin. The first in her family to attend a four-year college, Kelly received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2010. Following her graduation, her first job was in Labor and Delivery at Lexington Medical Center where she is still employed today. As her tenure progressed, she assumed the responsibly of the Perinatal Loss Program, teaching nurses how to care for patients during difficult times.

Kelly began teaching at the University of South Carolina in 2014 as adjunct faculty, bringing students to Lexington Medical Center for their clinicals. This motivated her to return to the College of Nursing, and graduate in 2018 with an MSN in Healthcare Leadership. Following a promotion, she returned yet again to the college where she received a DNP in Executive Leadership degree in 2021.

The Outstanding Young Nurse Alumna Award is presented to Creighlyn Price. Creighlyn graduated from the College of Nursing in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree along with leadership distinction in professional and civic engagement. While at USC, she mentored for the Multicultural Assistance Peer Program (MAPP) and became a site leader for Service Saturday.

Creighlyn currently works as a pediatric nurse at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital where she’s had the honor of being nominated for the Daisy Award three times. She plans to further her education with a Master of Science in Nursing degree to become a nurse educator, to help train and mentor future nurses.

Outstanding Legacy Nurse Alumna Award:

Carrie is one of the first African American BSN graduates from the University of South Carolina, having received her degree in 1971. She has dedicated her career to pediatric nursing, education and patient advocacy. 

Carrie is a tenured associate professor at South Carolina State University and shows her dedication to her students with her involvement in the Wellness Program at the Brooks Health Center, the W.W Kellogg African American Public Health Fellowship & Development Program, and her work with Habitat for Humanity at South Carolina State University and other Historically Black Colleges and University institutions. Carrie continues to commit her time and expertise to vulnerable patient populations and future nurses.