Bennett honored for service to students

Kristin Bennett doesn't seek out the spotlight. She simply works diligently to take care of students as a nurse practitioner with Student Health Services at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Dahlonega Campus.

That's exactly why Vanessa Jones, director of Student Health Services, was excited to see Bennett receive the Unsung Hero Award from the University System of Georgia (USG) this spring. Jones nominated Bennett for the award because, in part, she was particularly impressed with Bennett's demeanor during a time when the clinic was short-staffed, leaving Bennett to take on a much larger patient load.

"She kept a positive attitude and kept the clinical side of Student Health Services running. She's always there to help the students. That's her No. 1 priority," Jones said. "She's an excellent nurse practitioner."

For Bennett, serving at UNG carries great personal significance. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and associate degree in nursing from the university and is now pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at UNG.

"I don't see myself as a hero of any kind. I see someone who comes in and works consistently to take care of our students," Bennett said. "We are here every day doing a job and staying focused. We are here every day working behind the scenes to help our students stay healthy so they can be successful."

In fact, Bennett hopes her Unsung Hero Award shines a light on her Student Health Services teammates and their work to serve students. She especially feels the weight of her role in assisting students, many of whom are living away from home and having to seek out care without their parents for the first time.

"They don't know what to do when they're sick or have an injury," Bennett said. "We are an important piece to that puzzle, helping them learn how to navigate taking care of themselves."

Jones said that mentality is important in uncertain times for students.

"When students come in and are overwhelmed, she automatically goes into this calming mode," Jones said. "She can defuse situations like no one else I've ever met before."

Dr. Alyson Paul, vice president for Student Engagement and Success, also expressed gratitude for Bennett's service approach.

"Kristin epitomizes this award by showing up every day to serve our students when they are vulnerable and not feeling their best," Paul said. "She shows them compassion and patience while also teaching them to advocate for themselves as well as other 'adulting' skills regarding their own healthcare."