Betsy Gentry Receives Janet Diggs Award

Betsy Gentry, the Associate Director of Nursing at the University Health Center (UHC), received the Janet Diggs Award from the Mid-Atlantic College Health Association (MACHA). She was given this award through the outstanding work she has demonstrated, as well as her dedicated service to James Madison University. The Janet Diggs Award was established to recognize individuals who have direct effort in promoting an environment of encouragement and achievement of college health and values. Betsy has touched many students’ lives during her tenure at JMU through direct care, mentorship, advocacy and program development. Betsy exemplifies Janet’s values through her service, leadership and impact at the university.

Betsy has made numerous lasting contributions during her service at JMU. One is her leadership in creating the UHC’s Student Volunteer Program. This program gives an opportunity for students majoring in health sciences to seek out a robust work-based learning experience. Anne Brenneman, Director of UHC, explained that “Through her vision and leadership, the program has provided meaningful hands-on experience while fostering student development and service.” In addition to this program, she also established the Allergy Clinic where student needs are met while also delivering a quality of care. Anne described Betsy’s most lasting contribution as her vision to empower her students and staff through the mentorship that Betsy provides. “She consistently encourages growth, instills confidence, and models compassionate leadership, leaving a legacy that extends well beyond her individual contributions.”

When reflecting on this award, Betsy talked about her leadership and mentorship. She describes her leadership as having an emphasis on relationships. “It's about listening, learning, and placing people in situations for them to excel, especially when they don't see their own potential.” She also believes her philosophy of leadership ties well into her mentorship and is also one of the favorite parts of her career, saying “Mentoring is just an extension of that belief: that when we invest in others, we all grow stronger together.”