Two from Gardner-Webb Named to 2025 Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina

Dr. Nicole Waters, ’06 and ’14, and Lyndsey Couch, ’14, Recognized for Positively Impacting Their Profession

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Two alumnae from Gardner-Webb University—one a current administrator—have been named Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina for 2025. Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Nicole Waters, along with her former student, Lyndsey Couch, were nominated and recognized for positively impacting the image of nursing and the profession.

Waters received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from GWU in 2006 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2014. She joined the faculty of the Hunt School of Nursing (HSON) in 2011 and has served as a program chair, associate dean, and later served as its dean. She has also served as dean of the College of Health Sciences.

“I’m truly honored to be selected as one of the 2025 Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina,” Waters shared. “To be chosen from among so many deserving professionals is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I’m grateful to the person who took the time to nominate me; their belief in my leadership and professional journey means more than words can express.”

Waters is grateful to join Couch on the list. “What makes this honor even more special is seeing a former nursing student also named among the 100,” Waters observed. “To share this recognition alongside someone I once taught is one of the most rewarding moments of my career.”

Couch earned three degrees from GWU—Associate in Nursing (ASN) in 2014, BSN in 2015 and Master of Science in Nursing in 2017. She is an educator/clinical supervisor in the Critical Care Unit at Atrium Health Lincoln. “Being recognized with this award is an incredible honor,” Couch stated. “It’s a meaningful acknowledgment of the hard work and passion I’ve poured into my academic and professional journey. To be included among such accomplished individuals is both humbling and motivating.”

Above the professional recognition, Couch is especially touched to share the honor with her former professor. “Dr. Waters was such an influential mentor throughout my time as her student at Gardner-Webb,” Couch affirmed. “To be recognized alongside someone I admire so deeply is truly a full-circle moment and something I’ll always cherish.”

Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina has celebrated R.N. excellence in the state since 1989. Since that time, the organization has also awarded thousands in nursing scholarships. Other Gardner-Webb alumnae who have received the honor include:

• Former HSON Director Dr. Anna Hamrick, 2001 (ASN), and 2003 (BSN).
• Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for HCA Healthcare, South Atlantic Division, Dr. Allison Abernathy, ASN (1995), MSN (2007), and DNP (2013).

“Our organization is built on the values of compassion, dedication, and innovation,” noted Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina President Dr. Jason Upham. “We believe that by highlighting the achievements of our Great 100 Nurses, we can showcase the vital role that nursing plays in our healthcare system and advocate for the continuous advancement of nursing education and practice.”

Winners are selected based on the following criteria:

• Professionalism: A nurse who promotes and advances the profession of nursing in a positive way in the practice setting and/or in the community; actively seeks ways to support nurses; and collaborates effectively with all levels of health care providers.
• Integrity/Honesty: A nurse who demonstrates integrity, respectability and ethical soundness by accepting responsibility and accountability for his/her nursing practice.
• Commitment: A nurse who seeks out opportunities to serve patients, families and colleagues; follows through on projects to completion
• Caring: A nurse with knowledge, positive communication skills, self-awareness and development, patience, honesty, trust, humility, hope and courage. One who is involved in the process of helping another person grow and actualize her/himself.
• Dynamism: A nurse who dynamically impacts outcomes in the practice setting and/or community through innovation and enterprising healthcare initiatives.

The winners will be honored at the 37th Annual N.C. Great 100 Gala, which will be held in October at The Maxwell Center in Goldsboro.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.