Victor k. wilson
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AWARD

Here is what Jennifer’s nominator had to say about her:

“I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Jennifer Warren, RN, Lead Nurse of UHC’s Medical Clinic Green, for the Victor K. Wilson Commitment to Excellence Award. Jennifer exemplifies the spirit and dedication that this award seeks to recognize, having contributed over a decade of exemplary service to the University Health Center and UGA Student Affairs. Jennifer has been an integral part of UHC since 2014 and her appointment as Lead Nurse is a testament to her leadership and unwavering commitment to the well-being of UGA students and her team. 

Jennifer consistently goes above and beyond to prioritize the student experience. She is often seen sitting with students listening as they describe a hard day, feeling lonely, or trying to navigate the healthcare system without a parent for the first time. Our patient navigator recently received a message from a student about the care he received from Jennifer. In that correspondence he said, “I was in a dark place, at the end of my rope, and my visit to the health center reminded me that I wasn’t alone here and that it’s okay to be going through a rough patch and it is okay to need help”. 

Most recently, Jennifer has served as nurse, advocate, and support for an international graduate student struggling with mental health issues that have had a significant impact on his physical health. Jennifer consistently followed up with him, assisted him in communicating with his family, and connected him to resources and support both on and off campus. On one particular day, Jennifer secured an Uber for the student so that she could make sure that he arrived to his apartment safely. 

Another notable example of Jennifer’s exceptional commitment to excellence occurred when she recognized the severity of a student’s illness during a phone call to the UGA Health Center. Despite the situation being beyond the clinic’s scope, Jennifer remained on the line to calm and reassure the distressed student until EMS could arrive, demonstrating her dedication to student care in a critical situation. 

Furthermore, Jennifer’s leadership style is characterized by empowerment, encouragement, and a commitment to continuous improvement. She has not only taken new team members under her wing but has actively contributed to the advancement of clinic processes, advocating for system changes that have positively impacted patient care across the UHC. Jennifer is well respected by UHC Leadership, her colleagues, clinicians, and students for her compassion, exceptional nursing care, and knowledge. Jennifer frequently works after hours, through lunch, and is known for going that extra mile to support students. Jennifer is also well respected as the nurse who works with many students with disordered eating because of the excellent clinical care she provides to this population and approaches them with kindness, gentleness, and understanding. 

In conclusion, Jennifer Warren exemplifies the qualities outlined in the Victor K. Wilson Commitment to Excellence Award criteria. Her dedication to service, exemplary leadership, and positive impact on the Division, the UGA community, and the lives of students make her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition. Thank you for considering Jennifer Warren as a nominee for the Victor K. Wilson Commitment to Excellence Award. Her contributions have significantly enhanced the UGA Student Affairs experience, and she truly embodies the spirit of this esteemed award.”