PRESIDENT'S LETTER
For more than three decades, The Great 100, Inc. has proudly celebrated Registered
Nursing excellence across North Carolina. Since 1989, our mission has remained steadfast:
to honor the extraordinary contributions of nurses who elevate the profession through
their skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those they serve.
As President, it is my privilege to continue the work begun in 1988, when Heather
Thorne, a visionary North Carolina Registered Nurse, gathered colleagues from across the
state with a simple but powerful idea—to recognize nurses whose dedication was
transforming healthcare in their communities. What began as a grassroots effort has grown
into one of the most respected peerrecognition programs in the state.
Today, The Great 100 stands as a beacon for nursing excellence. Each year, we
acknowledge 100 Registered Nurses who exemplify outstanding practice, leadership, and
professionalism in diverse settings across North Carolina. Through this recognition, we
aim not only to honor individual achievement but also to uplift the image of nursing as a
vital, dynamic, and deeply impactful profession.
Our commitment extends beyond recognition. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters
and the dedication of our Board, The Great 100 has awarded significant scholarship funds
to nursing students throughout the state. These scholarships help ensure that the next
generation of nurses is equipped, empowered, and inspired to carry the profession forward.
We invite you to join us in this meaningful work. Whether you are a nurse, a
healthcare partner, an educator, or a supporter of the profession, your engagement
strengthens our mission and amplifies the impact we can make together.
Thank you for being part of a legacy that honors the past, celebrates the present, and
invests in the future of nursing in North Carolina.
With gratitude and pride,
Sheila Revis Smallwood, DNP, RN, BC-NPD
President, The Great 100, Inc.