Two Citadel nursing professors are recognized for excellence in practice

The Citadel Photo

Photo: (left to right) Robin Matutina, Ph.D., Amy Joseph, Ph.D., and Helen Ballestas, Ph.D.

Helen Ballestas, Ph.D., and Robin Matutina, Ph.D., recognized at the 18th Palmetto Gold Gala

Two nursing professors from The Citadel are the proud recipients of an award that celebrates registered nurses in our state who exemplify excellence in nursing practice and commitment to the profession.

Both Helen Ballestas, Ph.D., and Robin Matutina, Ph.D., were presented a Palmetto Gold Award at a gala held on April 27 in Columbia.

“It’s been a monumental year for The Citadel’s nursing program. In addition to graduating The Citadel’s first class of nurses, two of our faculty members were recognized as some of the very best nurses in the state,” said Amy Joseph, Ph.D., head of the Swain Department of Nursing. “Both Helen and Robin are active leaders in the nursing community and this award is well deserved.”

The Palmetto Gold Gala is hosted by by the Palmetto Gold Nurse Recognition and Scholarship Program. For the last 18 years, the program has worked to honor both employees and facilities with the Palmetto Gold Award, which recognizes nurses for their outstanding accomplishments.

Proceeds from the Gala provide an annual $1,000 nursing scholarship to each registered nurse undergraduate program in our state.

This recognition of The Citadel’s nursing program happened just days ahead of the pinning ceremony and commencement for the first nursing class to graduate from the Swain Department of Nursing.