Submitted by Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority
The nominations for the annual Lula Owl Gloyne – Person of Excellence Award are officially open.
Following the standard of excellence first set by Beloved Woman Lula Owl Gloyne, who worked as the first registered nurse of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), this annual award serves to honor a deserving individual whose actions and contributions have improved the healthcare of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The inaugural Lula Owl Gloyne Award was presented in memoriam to Lula’s daughter, the late Mary Wachacha in June 2022. Since 2022, other recipients have included Dr. Victoria Harlan and Susan Crowe. The 2025 award was presented to Mistee Cutshaw just before she passed away from pancreatic and liver cancer.
“The Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation is honored to help carry forward Lula Owl Gloyne’s legacy through the annual award that bears her name,” said Foundation Chairman Sheyaheshe Littledave. “Her example set a standard of service and commitment that continues to guide our work today. By recognizing those who follow in her footsteps, we both honor her impact and ensure her legacy lives on as we continue advancing health care for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.”
Nominees are expected to reflect the following core values:
– Contributions to Healthcare: Nominee has made significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
– Selflessness: Nominee acts in the best interests of others and promotes their health & wellness.
– Accomplished: Nominee has risen above and beyond the call of duty to achieve results. This includes educational and professional achievements and serving as role model and mentor to others.
– Resilient: Nominee is an advocate on behalf of others to ensure the prosperity of the next seven generations of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
– Visionary: Nominee demonstrated forward thinking and a vision for the future of healthcare for the EBCI – regardless of barriers.
Nomination forms are available on the Foundation’s website at cihfoundation.org or by emailing Foundation Director Brittney Lofthouse at Brittney.lofthouse@cherokeehospital.org. Nomination must be submitted to the Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation by March 31. The CIH Foundation Board will review all nominations and will announce this year’s recipient on May 1. The 2026 recipient of the Lula Owl Gloyne – Person of Excellence Award will also be recognized at the 15th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala scheduled for June 27 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
