UNC Health Lenoir Inducts Eight New Members into Hall of Honor
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Annual tradition celebrates dedication to healthcare and community service
UNC Health Lenoir proudly welcomed eight outstanding individuals into its prestigious Hall of Honor during a ceremony celebrating their extraordinary service to healthcare and the community.
Established in 2000, the Hall of Honor recognizes individuals whose contributions have left a remarkable and lasting impact on hospital care in Lenoir County. With this year’s class, 132 honorees have been inducted since its founding.
Honorees are selected by a hospital board–appointed committee based on four criteria: years of service, contributions beyond the ordinary, critical impact on healthcare delivery, and a lasting legacy of commitment to the community.
“The Hall of Honor allows us to recognize the people whose service and dedication have truly shaped the history and success of UNC Health Lenoir,” said Mr. Carl Younger, Chairman of the UNC Health Lenoir Board of Directors, “Each of these inductees has gone above and beyond in their commitment to healthcare and community well-being. Their legacies will continue to inspire us for generations to come.”
The 2025 Hall of Honor Inductees
Mrs. Debbie Chused
Debbie Chused has been a steadfast supporter and advocate for UNC Health Lenoir, devoting more than a decade of service through both governance and community engagement. She dedicated five years to the Hospital Board of Directors and six years to the Lenoir Hospital Foundation Board, where her leadership advanced fundraising and outreach efforts that strengthened patient care. Known for her willingness to step forward and champion hospital initiatives, Debbie has also played active roles in civic organizations, ensuring that the mission of UNC Health Lenoir reaches beyond hospital walls. Her influence is felt in both healthcare and the broader community, where she continues to promote excellence in service and care.
Mr. Craig Hill
Craig Hill has dedicated his life to education and service. For more than 30 years, he served the children of Lenoir County as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal, shaping the lives of countless young people. Following his retirement from education, he transitioned his leadership skills to healthcare by serving more than a decade on UNC Health Lenoir’s Board of Directors. In this role, he provided strategic guidance during key transitions and advocated for high-quality care in his community. Admired for his steady leadership and devotion to others, Mr. Hill exemplifies the values of service and compassion that define the Hall of Honor.
Dr. Robert Hosea
Dr. Hosea spent his career practicing otolaryngology in Kinston with Kinston Head and Neck Physicians, where he became known for his medical expertise, innovation, and commitment to patient care. With a particular interest in otology, he brought advanced hearing treatments to eastern North Carolina, including being the first physician in the region to implant a bone conduction hearing device. His advocacy for newborn hearing screenings placed him ahead of national standards, helping ensure earlier detection of hearing loss for countless children. Since retiring in 2024, he has continued to invest in the future of healthcare by establishing the Robert H. Hosea Nursing Scholarship at Lenoir Community College. His career reflects both groundbreaking medical advancements and a deep compassion for the community he served.
Mr. Joseph Plasky
Joseph “Joe” Plasky began his career as a civil engineer with DuPont in 1979, retiring from the company’s Kinston facility in 1998. Deeply committed to his adopted community, Joe has given generously of his time and talents through service on numerous boards and with the Hospital Auxiliary, where he also served as president. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person volunteering was limited, Joe found creative ways to support hospital staff — most famously by delivering his homemade muffins to the nursing team, earning him the affectionate nickname, “The Muffin Man.” He also authored a nearly 1,000-page history of volunteerism at UNC Health Lenoir, preserving a rich legacy of service. Joe’s story is one of leadership, creativity, and unwavering community spirit.
Dr. Aaron Cotten
For more than three decades, Dr. Aaron Cotten has been a pillar of emergency medicine at UNC Health Lenoir. As an emergency department physician, he has cared for thousands of patients with skill and compassion. Beyond the hospital, he has served as Medical Examiner for Lenoir and Greene Counties and as EMS Director for Lenoir County, shaping local emergency response systems. He has also trained and mentored future EMTs through his role as medical director of Lenoir Community College’s EMS program. Widely respected by colleagues, Dr. Cotten is known as a mentor and model of patient-centered care. His career reflects both clinical excellence and a deep commitment to public health and safety.
Mrs. Constance Hengel
Beginning her career in 1989 as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department, Constance Hengel quickly established herself as a dedicated caregiver and later as a leader in hospital and community health. She expanded her reach by directing multiple service lines, grant programs, and community health initiatives, as well as leading the Lenoir Hospital Foundation. Nationally board-certified in holistic nursing and holding additional certifications in health promotion and health coaching, she has blended clinical expertise with innovative approaches to wellness. In 2009, she was honored as one of North Carolina’s Great 100 Nurses. Constance’s career reflects a blend of clinical skill, visionary leadership, and lasting community impact.
Mrs. Debra Lanier
For nearly 40 years, Debbie Lanier was a cornerstone of UNC Health Lenoir’s executive leadership team. Hired in 1985 as assistant to the Chief Financial Officer, she later became administrative assistant to the CEO in 2001, a role she held with distinction until her retirement in 2024. She modernized executive office operations, supported hospital leadership, managed medical staff and board activities, and represented the hospital with professionalism and integrity. Known for her loyalty and tireless work ethic, Debbie helped guide the hospital through decades of change, leaving a legacy of excellence and reliability that shaped the organization’s culture.
Ms. Lisa Suggs
Since joining UNC Health Lenoir in 1998, Lisa Suggs has been a vital member of the Environmental Services team, serving in multiple roles across the department over 27 years. Her impact extends far beyond her responsibilities. She is known for uplifting patients and families during difficult times and supporting her colleagues with warmth and kindness. She has twice received the President’s Service Excellence Award and has been recognized as Environmental Services Employee of the Month. Lisa’s commitment to her coworkers, patients, and community exemplifies the heart of service at UNC Health Lenoir, and her presence continues to inspire those around her.
About UNC Health Lenoir
UNC Health Lenoir is a nonprofit hospital providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Kinston, Lenoir County, and surrounding communities. With a history spanning more than a century, the hospital continues to expand services, embrace innovation, and deliver on its mission to improve the health and well-being of all it serves.
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