TROY – A Troy University nursing alumnus has garnered one of only 10 national awards for excellence.

Kerry Varner, a 2005 nursing graduate, has been awarded the Elsevier’s Student Award for Nursing Excellence.

The Elsevier’s Student Award for Nursing recognizes students for superior academics, leadership and patient care. As one of the 10 winners, Varner will receive $1,000 in professional texts and $1,500 in cash.

Varner, a Red Level native, was nominated by his professor, Dr. Amy Spurlock, who submitted an essay detailing Varner’s Hurricane Katrina-related volunteer experiences.

“He made the biggest effort with everything he did,” said Spurlock. “He was a great role model and a great spokesperson for nursing.”

Varner said he believes working in Hattiesburg, Miss. in Katrina’s aftermath set him apart from other nominees, yet is still shocked that he was selected a winner in the national contest.

“I owe a lot of the recognition to my teachers,” Varner said.

After injuring his shoulder in the last football game of his senior year of high school, Varner’s college plans changed from playing football at University of Alabama to pursuing a nursing career at Troy University.

Varner said he felt like his interest in nursing was a calling.

“I have the personality for it,” said Varner. “I like talking to people, helping people.”

After his graduation last December, Varner joined Baptist South Hospital’s cardiovascular care unit in Montgomery.

Varner explained that one of the most enjoyable aspects of his career is his contact time with patients.

“I’ve realized that sometimes I am a patient’s only lifeline,” said Varner. “To go home and say you’ve saved a life is more rewarding than money.”

In addition to winning the Elsevier’s Student Award, Varner will also be inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing.

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