Roanoke Rapids, N.C. — ECU Health North Hospital is proud to announce the first cohort of its hospital-based Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) I program graduated Jan. 30, 2026. A graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a program designed to strengthen the rural health care workforce and create new pathways for career advancement within the ECU Health system. The eight program graduates are: Lisa Allen, James Cooper, LaToria Grimes, Deja Harris, Denise Mendoza-Beltran, Katara Whitaker, Asekywia Williams and Marleena Womack.
“We are proud of our graduates who worked hard, completing classroom instruction, hands-on training and clinical experience at ECU Health North Hospital,” said Pam Rudisill, vice president of Nursing Excellence at ECU Health. “This program represents our commitment to strengthening the rural health care workforce by expanding access to careers in nursing and allied health. By investing in our team members and aligning with community partners, we are building a more resilient and skilled care team designed to meet the needs of those we serve.”
Attendees gathered to honor the eight graduates who completed the inaugural program at ECU Health North Hospital. Upon certification, all eight graduates will transition into CNA roles at their current ECU Health facilities — four at ECU Health Medical Center, one at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital and three at ECU Health North Hospital.
“By equipping our team members with the skills and support they need to grow into vital roles, we are helping create a pipeline of compassionate, community-based caregivers who will serve eastern North Carolina for years to come,” said Todd Hickey, president of ECU Health North. “The CNA I program serves as a model for workforce development across the region, offering team members the opportunity to advance their careers while supporting the health and well-being of the communities ECU Health serves.”
The CNA I program was inspired by the vision of the late Sheryl Watson, BSN, RN, a former ECU Health nurse and community college instructor whose passion for education and mentorship laid the foundation for the program. Though she passed away before seeing the program launch, her legacy continues to shape the future of nursing assistants across the region. With the first cohort now entering the workforce, ECU Health North Hospital is preparing to welcome its second cohort in early February, consisting of 10 new students representing multiple ECU Health locations.