From the bedside to the C-suite ASU ‘Golden Grad’ reflects on an exceptional career

All her life, Carol Huie has believed in the power of care.

“I’ve always thought that nursing was about more than just treating patients. It’s about understanding people and making a difference,” said Huie.

The two-time ASU Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation alumna, who retired in 2023, spent nearly five decades doing just that. From working as a bedside nurse to leading health care organizations as a vice president and chief nursing officer, Huie’s career has been marked by her unwavering dedication to patients and health care workers alike.

Her passion for nursing began when she was a young girl. After her mother was hospitalized, Huie vividly remembers standing outside the building, unable to visit. That experience stayed with her.

“I thought, ‘If I were a nurse, I could go in and be there,’’’ she said.

Huie graduated with her Bachelor of Science in nursing in 1975 and returned to ASU in 1983 to pursue a master’s degree. Driven by a desire to lead, she quickly moved into administrative positions at hospitals across Arizona and California.

“I loved caring for patients,” she said. “But as I moved into leadership, I realized I could care for people in a different way — by supporting the nurses and health care workers providing that care.”

Throughout her career, Huie pushed boundaries. She led efforts to create working environments that prioritized holistic patient care, long before integrative medicine was mainstream. She also supported emergency room nurses facing the emotional toll of trauma, recognizing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder among her staff. Understanding the importance of mental well-being for health care providers, she advocated for support systems that addressed their emotional needs.

In addition to her leadership roles, Huie also became a certified legal nurse consultant, helping attorneys understand complex medical information and offering professional insight in malpractice and injury cases.

Drawing on her deep industry knowledge and passion for innovation, Huie acquired a nurse recruiting company while still working in leadership positions. At a time when remote hiring was still emerging, she recognized the potential of virtual recruiting.

“Nursing is so much more than bedside care,” Huie said. “Stay open, keep learning and remember that every role is an opportunity to make a difference.”

Looking back on her extensive and versatile career, Huie said she learned something from every position she held and that curiosity kept her going for 48 years.

Celebrating her 50th anniversary since achieving her bachelor's degree from ASU, Huie is thrilled to attend the Edson College Golden Reunion in May.

“It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come,” she said. “The values I learned at ASU still shape who I am today.”

Retirement hasn’t slowed her down. If anything, Huie’s passions for the field have only deepened. She continues to channel her experience by mentoring the next generation of nurses and offering career guidance.

“Never stop asking questions, exploring new possibilities and striving to learn. It’s the key to a fulfilling and impactful career.”

Written by Aastha Negi with editing by Max Baker.