Kristin Bennett, a nurse practitioner with Student Health Services at the University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Dahlonega Campus, has been recognized with the Unsung Hero Award from the University System of Georgia (USG) for her dedication to student care.
Bennett was nominated by Vanessa Jones, director of Student Health Services at UNG, who praised her calm leadership during a period when the clinic was short‑staffed. “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.
For Bennett, the award carries personal meaning. She earned her associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in nursing from UNG and is now pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the university. “I don’t see myself as a hero of any kind,” Bennett said. “We are here every day working behind the scenes to help our students stay healthy so they can be successful.”
Bennett emphasized that the recognition reflects the work of her entire Student Health Services team, who often assist students navigating healthcare independently for the first time. “They don’t know what to do when they’re sick or have an injury,” she said. “We are an important piece to that puzzle, helping them learn how to navigate taking care of themselves.”
Jones noted Bennett’s ability to defuse stressful situations with compassion, while Dr. Alyson Paul, vice president for Student Engagement and Success, praised her for teaching students self‑advocacy and “adulting” skills related to healthcare. “Kristin epitomizes this award by showing up every day to serve our students when they are vulnerable and not feeling their best,” Paul said.