ROME, Ga., May 10, 2024 – You might find Sheila Bennett up late Friday night grading papers or teaching online in the Bachelor of Health Science program at Georgia Highlands College. The senior vice president and chief of patient services at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center is, at heart, both a nurse and a teacher of nurses.

Dr. Lisa Jellum, dean of the Atrium Health Floyd School of Health Sciences at GHC, said Bennett’s passion for nursing is why the Dr. Sheila Bennett Excellence in Nursing Education Award was created.

The award was announced Thursday during the college’s nurse graduation ceremony.

Bennett “has dedicated herself as a visionary leader whose impact on nursing education transcends time,” Jellum said in announcing the award. “Her unwavering commitment to the advancement of nursing education has left an indelible mark on countless students, colleagues and healthcare institutions around the world.”

Bennett has even created curriculum for the patient safety course at Georgia Highlands.

“I am humbled and so appreciative of the recognition,” she said. “I feel I am at a point in my career that investing in future nurses or other clinical disciplines is very important to me. The ability to help prepare future healthcare workers is an honor and worth giving up my off time and weekends to do so.” 

Jellum said Bennett will occasionally call her about students who are excelling.

“I can’t even fathom that she has the time to do that,” Jellum added. “She really is a friend to the college. Her compassionate spirit, unwavering integrity and tireless dedication to the well-being of others has served as a guiding light for all who have had the privilege of crossing paths with her.”