Summer 2025 | Alumni Updates
Class notes from Gator Nurses across generations — from milestones to new professional chapters.
Susan Brasher (PhD '16)
Featured in Emory Health Digest, Susan Brasher is leading groundbreaking autism research and advocacy in Georgia. She’s the only nurse featured in a recent article on innovative diagnostic tools and care differences — and she credits UF and Professor Emeritus Dr. Jennifer Elder for her start.
Nicolle Davis (PhD ’19)
Nicolle Davis continues to transform stroke care as director of UF Health’s Mobile Stroke Program. Recent data presented at the International Stroke Conference show that their mobile unit cuts treatment times by nearly an hour. She also published new research in Neurocritical Care and the American Heart Association website, and was the College of Nursing’s Summer Pinning alumni speaker.
Kara Godwin Wilds (BSN '09; MSNS '12; DNP '24)
Kara Godwin was selected as the first-ever DNP to join Deloitte’s prestigious Physician Leadership Academy — putting her on track for a future chief medical officer role.
Olivia Daniel (BSN ’24)
Olivia Daniel was named Hospital Rookie Nurse of the Year at UF Health Flagler Hospital. Her commitment and excellence in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit are already having a strong impact early in her career.
Kara Noyes (ABSN '23)
Kara Noyes received a DAISY Award at Orlando Health for her compassionate neurological care. She shared: “Being able to help patients with neurological deficits has been the biggest blessing… Nursing is hard. But it is also incredibly beautiful. I truly love this profession — even when it’s hard.”
Elena Smith (MSN '05; DNP '11)
Elena Smith was promoted in August to Advanced Practice Provider, or APP, Manager for Orlando Health Primary Care, overseeing more than 100 advanced practice providers with support from a newly established leadership team. She also co-directs the Primary Care APP Fellowship program, which welcomed its first fellows this fall. Additionally, Elena recently completed her first year as a Pediatric Nursing Certification Board item writer for the 2024–2027 term. Alongside her promotion, fellow Gators Laura Hagedorn and Jennifer Quilty received leadership advancements, highlighting the strength of UF nursing alumni in Orlando.
Cary Carter (BSN '93)
LTC Carter, a nurse anesthetist with over 17 years of service, has played a vital role in delivering anesthetics across diverse and challenging environments. As deputy consultant to the Army Surgeon General and deputy chief of nursing anesthesia at Brooke Army Medical Center, he helps enhance the Army Medical Department’s readiness and capabilities. Recently awarded the prestigious 9A Proficiency Designator for professional excellence, LTC Carter also leads key strategic initiatives, supports special operations training and mentors nurse anesthesia residents — shaping the future of military medicine with dedication and expertise.