An Early Calling

Caroline Seigler ('76 MSN, '67 BSN) arrived at the University of South Carolina as a 16-year-old with a passion for helping others and a curious mind. She enrolled in the College of Nursing and quickly realized she had found her calling. "I was very fortunate to have Dean Amy Viglione as a nurse leader throughout my time in school. She served as a mentor and later friend during my career," says Seigler. 

After earning her BSN degree, Seigler moved to New York City where she worked in a culturally diverse city hospital. The following year she moved to Washington D.C., where she worked for Group Health in their medical clinic, again serving a wide variety of patients. "I saw patients from all populations. From city bus drivers to Supreme Court Justices," says Seigler.

Distinguished Career 

Seigler returned home to South Carolina to care for an ailing family member. She began working at the former Columbia Hospital, as well as a teaching associate at the College of Nursing. Wanting to further her career, she enrolled in USC Nursing’s MSN program.

"I knew early in my career that nursing offered an exciting and rewarding life but also provided many opportunities," says Seigler.  

While completing her graduate studies, Seigler was recruited as Chief Nursing Officer at Palmetto Health Baptist, now Prisma Health, where she developed a nursing leadership team and advocated for the nurse's role. "Nurses play an instrumental role in health care and health decision-making. I've always found it vital to advocate for stronger interprofessional collaboration," says Seigler. 

At Palmetto Health, Caroline advanced to serve as the System Vice President and Clinical Informatics Officer. In 2019, she was honored by Palmetto Health's Board of Trustees with a commissioned portrait located in the hospital's main corridor. 

Nursing Leadership 

Seigler embraced professional development outside of her hospital position, playing an active role in numerous regional and national nursing organizations. "It was crucial to me to be part of professional organizations to expand my skill set and support nursing leadership," says Seigler.

Professional Organizations and Accolades 

• Chair, VHA National Nursing Leadership Council
• Member, Organization of Nurse Executives
• Member, South Carolina Hospital Association
• Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives
• Outstanding Nurse Alumni, USC Sigma Theta Tau 

Staying Connected

Seigler, her husband, Jim ('69 BA, '72 JD), and their two children, Mindy and Melissa (Gamecock grads), are loyal Gamecock fans and university supporters The Seiglers are active supporters of the College of Nursing and have directly supported the mission of the college. The couple still enjoys dining at the McCutchen House for lunch followed by a walk around campus.