Tammy Bender, director of student services for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has received the President’s Our Common Ground Award for her contributions and commitment to the University’s values of respect, integrity, innovation, justice, and responsibility.

The President’s Our Common Ground Award recognizes University of Vermont staff who have made extraordinary contributions and a significant impact on the University, as demonstrated through the values expressed in Our Common Ground. 

In her Office of Student Services role, Bender oversees professional advising, a longstanding and successful peer mentoring program, graduate admissions, and several processes behind the scenes that involve attention to detail and iterative work with faculty and campus partners. She has designed innovative systems and built trust and confidence in enrollment and retention processes that are of high consequence, wrote University Vice Provost Erica Caloiero in her nomination of Bender for the honor.

“Tammy is an exemplar – a true model – of someone whose drive for excellence and whose presence in the world uplift and inspire others,” wrote Caloiero. “Her expertise, attention and care impact every single student who enrolls in the College.”

Bender joined UVM in 2016 following a career in accessibility services and data management. She recently earned her M.Ed. in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on helping students overcome educational barriers when faced with adversity. Bender and other 2023 Our Common Ground Award recipients were recognized at an event hosted by University President Garimella on September 14.