Published on May 07, 2026

UNC Health Southeastern Hosts Night of Excellence

UNC Health Southeastern hosted its annual Night of Excellence awards banquet on May 5 to recognize recipients of the health system’s most prestigious awards. The banquet was held as part of observances in May for Nurses and Hospital & Teammate Appreciation Weeks.

Carey Carroll was named the Baker Nurse of Excellence, Tyshaun Sinclair the Baker Nursing Assistant of Excellence, Magenta Smith was named the W. Reid Caldwell, Jr., Distinguished Leadership Award winner, and Ernest “Keith” Kinlaw as the John D. Drake Distinguished Service Award winner.

“This annual occasion is one we truly value, as it allows us to recognize the achievements of our teammates and leaders and share their outstanding work with our community through these time-honored awards,” said UNC Health Southeastern President & CEO Chris Ellington during the banquet, which was held at the Carolina Civic Center Annex Building.

Baker Nurse of Excellence

Carroll’s career in healthcare reflects a lifelong commitment to service, excellence, and compassion. He began his journey in 1988 as an EMT with Lumberton Rescue, where he dedicated 22 years to providing critical pre-hospital care to her community. From 1996 to 2006, he expanded his impact through his work with Duke Life Flight, delivering high-acuity critical care transport to patients in need. Inspired by his mother, who served as a nurse for more than 50 years, including 22 years with what was then Southeastern General Hospital, Carroll pursued his nursing degree and graduated in 2006. Following graduation, he joined the ICU team at then, Southeastern Regional Medical Center, where he has remained a steadfast and trusted presence.

“Carey embodies the very best of nursing, compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to patients and their families,” said Renae Taylor, UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, who made the presentation. “His journey reflects a lifetime of service to this community, and he continues to lead by example every single day. We are incredibly proud to recognize Carey with the Baker Nurse of Excellence Award.”

Baker Nursing Assistant of Excellence

A lifelong resident of Fairmont, Sinclair is the youngest of three, with an older brother, Keith, and sister, Porschelia. His journey into healthcare began at age 19, inspired by an aunt. He became a personal care assistant (PCA) and, in 2014, earning his certified nursing assistant certification. Sinclair went on to dedicate more than a decade to home care, building a strong foundation rooted in compassion, patience, and connection.

Encouraged by his father to expand his impact in a hospital setting, Sinclair honored that wish following his father’s passing in 2023 by transitioning into acute care. In his current role, he has become known for his genuine ability to connect with patients and families. His teammates shared that he takes the time to truly listen, believing that meaningful conversations are essential to understanding and delivering exceptional care. A valued member of the 7th Bed Tower team, Sinclair consistently demonstrates teamwork, empathy, and a commitment to excellence. He shares that he cannot imagine working with a more supportive and dedicated group of colleagues.

“Tyshaun exemplifies what it means to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Taylor. “His ability to connect with patients, support his teammates, and honor the dignity of every individual truly sets him apart. We are incredibly proud to recognize him as our 2026 Baker Nursing Assistant of the Year.”

The Baker Nurse of Excellence Award was established in 2014 through an endowed gift by Stephanie and Wil Bass of Clayton, NC. The Baker Nursing Assistant award was added in 2024. The awards are named in honor of Stephanie’s late grandparents, Dr. Horace Baker, Jr., a surgeon who was a member of the medical staff at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, and his wife Dorothy, a former Army nurse. Dr. Horace Baker Sr., Bass’ great-grandfather, was founder of the Baker Sanatorium in 1921 which later merged with Thompson Hospital to form what was known as the Baker-Thompson Memorial Hospital in Lumberton in 1946. These two older facilities were replaced by a new hospital known as Robeson County Memorial Hospital in 1953 which currently operations as UNC Health Southeastern.

Caldwell Leadership Award

Smith has dedicated more than 20 years to Southeastern, beginning in June 2001 on the medical/surgical unit on 4th West and transitioning in 2003 to 5 North/5 South following the opening of Rust Tower. In 2007, she moved into nursing performance improvement, later advancing to nurse manager in 2012, where she led multiple areas including nursery/NICU, pediatrics, 3rd Bed Tower, hemodialysis, and 2nd East. Since June 2021, she has served as director of inpatient services, overseeing 7th Bed Tower, 6th Bed Tower, 5 North, and the resource pool.

She earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Sandhills Community College in 2001, bachelor’s of science in nursing from UNC Pembroke in 2005, and masters of science in nursing in education from UNC Pembroke in 2022. She has also served as an adjunct instructor at UNCP. Smith lives in Fairmont with her husband, Keith, of 21 years and their two children, Mahaven and Mynkoda.

“Magenta exemplifies the very essence of the Caldwell Leadership Award,” said Taylor. “Her integrity, dedication, and ability to inspire those around her have strengthened every team she has led. She is deeply committed to excellence in patient care and to developing others, and her impact is felt across our organization and community.”

To qualify for the Caldwell award, which was established in June 2016 in honor of former Vice President and Government Affairs Officer Reid Caldwell, a UNC Health Southeastern leader must serve at the manager level or higher with five or more years of service and must exemplify the fulfillment of the mission, vision, values, and standards of behavior of the organization while serving as a mentor to other leaders, removing barriers and contributing to a learning and advancing organization.

Drake Distinguished Service Award

Kinlaw began his career in April 1996 as a heating and air conditioning mechanic, a role he held through November 2014. He then advanced to maintenance mechanic II, serving in that position until October 2023, when he was promoted to maintenance mechanic III. He continued in that role until February 2024, when he assumed his current position as supervisor of engineering/facilities, where he oversees facilities operations and supports the safe, efficient functioning of UNC Health’s Southeastern’s physical environment. Keith has been married to his wife, Betty, since 2009 and they have two children, Daniel and Elizabeth.

“Keith embodies the spirit and purpose of the John Drake Award,” said UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer Patrick Ebri, PhD. “He is not only the backbone of our facilities and engineering department operations, but also a shining example of dedication to UNC Health Southeastern and the community we serve. I am proud to know and work with him.”

Kinlaw is the 39th person to be named winner of the Drake Award, which was established by the Board of Trustees in 1988 to recognize exceptional service by employees. The Drake award was named in honor of the late John D. Drake, who retired as head cook in 1984 after 38 years of service.

To qualify for the Drake award, an employee must demonstrate high standards for personal performance on the job, loyalty and dedication to the organization, an excellent attendance record, respect by fellow workers, leadership skills, and a caring attitude to fellow employees and guests of the organization.

To view a list of past award winners, visit https://www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/about-us/awards-and-recognition/organizational-awards/.