Story By: Preston Bennett
MONTEVALLO, Ala. — Dr. Crystal Bennett, the Dean of the College of Health Professions at the University of Montevallo, has been working at UM since March of 2024. During this time, she has worked hard to obtain approval for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program from the Alabama Board of Nursing, secured donations for supplies and equipment for the Simulation and Skills Lab in Myrick Hall, and hired faculty and staff for college programs.
Dr. Bennett has been at UM for nine months, but has years of experience that come from her previous jobs. So, there is one question that you may have: where did she start?
Her first steps
A native of Pensacola, Florida, Dr. Bennett came from humble beginnings. As an only child, she was the first in her family to attend and graduate from a college program, graduating from Pensacola Junior College with her associate of science in nursing degree. She then became a registered nurse (RN) and started working at West Florida Regional Medical Center at 20 years old.
“I wanted to choose a career where I could help people during their most vulnerable and difficult times.” Dr. Bennett says. While working there, she obtained her BSN from the University of West Florida.
After working at WFRMC for three years, she was ready “to learn more and take care of a different patient population.” She accepted a new position as an RN in the Progressive Care Unit at Baptist Hospital of Pensacola. While working at Baptist, she married her high school sweetheart and started a family while pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) at the University of South Alabama.
“My husband and I were both working as nurses doing 12 hour shifts,” she says, “It became clear that one of us would need to make a change in our schedules.” Dr. Bennett decided that she was ready to advance in her education and become a nurse educator.
Upon completing her MSN, she was given an opportunity to return to her alma mater at UWF to begin her academic career in a new BSN program.
Her time at UWF
While working for UWF, she earned her doctorate in nursing science from the University of Florida while raising four children with her husband.
“It took faith, family support, and the drive to succeed,” Dr. Bennett says. During this time, she had two children, several surgeries, and had to care for her mother, who was living with dementia. With all the challenges at hand, it took her longer than expected to obtain her doctorate, being awarded her PHD after 7 years of hard work.
“It took faith, family support and the drive to succeed.”
Dr. Crystal Bennett, Dean of the College of Health Professions
Dr. Bennett held various positions at UWF, including both faculty and administrative roles. Amidst a pandemic in 2020, she was appointed to her final role as the Director of the School of Nursing at UWF. She held this position up until accepting her role as the Dean of the College of Health Professions at the University of Montevallo.
Becoming a Falcon
Dr. Bennett discovered UM when her son attended a campus visit while being recruited by the University’s track & field team.
“Everyone was welcoming and cared about students.” Dr. Bennett says. After her son became a student-athlete, within two years, she learned about the new nursing program being established at UM. She thought it was a great opportunity to get involved with a new nursing program and “build it from the ground up.”
Dr. Bennett applied and was hired, and began her new position in March of 2024. Since that time, she moved to the area with her family, bought a new house, and got the nursing program up and running.
What now?
Dr. Bennett is now working on strategic planning for the College of Health Professions, continuing development of nursing curriculum and establishing community partnerships. She is also about to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary. She has enjoyed her time at UM in her role as the Dean of the College of Health Professions. There is one thing specifically that Dr. Bennett likes to do at UM.
“I really like getting out in the community and sharing about the wonderful programs at UM,” Dr Bennett says, “I call it my town tour.”
Dr. Bennett looks forward to experiencing her first commencement, College Night and much more in her first year.
DISCLAIMER: Author Preston Bennett is the eldest son of Dr. Crystal Bennett.
Vallo Vision News 