By: Avry Zow

The University of Montevallo held a ceremony Friday, Feb. 16, at Myrick Hall to dedicate the facilities for the nursing program that is planned to launch this fall.

The College of Nursing will be the fifth college at the university, and it will be the first new college introduced since 1969.

The event also introduced the new dean of the college, Dr.Crystal Bennett, who comes to Montevallo with 20 years of experience ranging from teaching to administrative roles while at the University of West Florida. Adding on to that, 20 years of experience, is her 9-10 years of acute care hospital skills where she worked in research, orthopedic, and critical care beforehand.

This may be a new start for Bennett, but she shares excitement of starting at the university.

“It’s very exciting. I’m excited to be here. It’s an honor and a pleasure. I knew when I came here for an interview that I really fell in love with this university. So, I can not wait to get started,” said Bennett.

Dr.Bennett engaging with attendees of the event; Courtesy: Avry Zow

Her excitement doesn’t stop there, as Bennett says she is eager to work with the university community, whether that’s with different departments on campus, the nursing faculty or the students who are interested in healthcare careers.

Recently, there has been a nursing shortage across the United States, including Alabama.

President John W. Stewart III with Student Body President Colton Rodano; Courtesy: Avry Zow

UM president President John Stewart said, “It’s our high-calling to address the needs of the people in our community, and we feel like we have a great team on campus. We do a great job with everything else we do, so I think we’ll do a great job with nursing as well.”

Currently, the nursing program is not approved by the state. However, Bennett says that university has submitted their reports to the state prior to Friday’s ceremony.

“So as soon as that is all completed and approved probably in May, we’ll get all that information out to the student body. But I am more than welcome to answer any questions,” said Bennett.

For more updates about the about program coming this fall, be sure to keep up with Vallo Vision News.