The East Carolina University College of Nursing inducted 10 members into its Hall of Fame on March 31, during a ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville.

The event, which also recognized the college’s 2017 Distinguished Alumnus, honors outstanding contributors to nursing in the areas of education, administration, research and practice.

This year’s class includes inductees who hold leadership roles in major medical centers, the chief executive officer of a statewide, nonprofit nursing organization, esteemed nursing faculty members and one former U.S. Navy commander.

The Hall of Fame has raised approximately $94,000 for a merit-based student scholarship fund since its inception in 2011.

“The Hall of Fame was established to recognize the service of nurses who are considered to be among the most highly regarded nurse leaders and to acknowledge the significant impact that inductees have made to the advancement of nursing,” said Dr. Sylvia Brown, dean of the College of Nursing. “This Hall of Fame not only recognizes our outstanding leaders, but is another way to give back to future generations of nurses.”

The 2016-2017 Hall of Fame Scholarship recipient, Kelly Bulloch, a master’s student in the nurse anesthetist program, was recognized at the event.

The 2017 inductees join a list of 90 Hall of Fame members. Each new member receives a flame-shaped award that resembles the lamp illustrated on the college’s nursing pin. The lamp and its associated flame symbolize a commitment to service and a vibrant life. This year’s Hall of Fame class includes:

• Donna Jean Gardner, Freeport, Pennsylvania
• Sonya Hardin, Greenville
• Jayne Holland, Savannah, Georgia
• Mary Holland, Greenville
• Polly Johnson, Chapel Hill
• Jean Matthews, Ahoskie
• Genemarie McGee, Chesapeake, Virginia
• Donna Montana-Rhodes, Washington
• Sharon Overton, Greenville
• Debra Pomeroy, Winterville

Montana-Rhodes, of Washington, received her master’s degree in nursing from East Carolina University in 2009 and her associate degree in nursing in 1998. She joined Vidant Beaufort Hospital as vice president of patient care services in February 2014.

Prior to this role, Montana-Rhodes served as vice president of patient care services at Vidant Pungo Hospital, where she also served as chief nursing officer and clinical coordinator for patient care services.

Montana-Rhodes began her health care career in 1990 at Beaufort County Hospital in the insurance and billing offices and began her nursing career in 1998 at Beaufort County Hospital. She has served as a district representative for the North Carolina Organization of Nurse Leaders. She offers her time and experience to many organizations in the community, serving as an advisory council member for the associate degree in nursing program at Beaufort County Community College and on the board of directors for Ruth’s House.