In recognition of his dedicated service and support to Georgia Highlands College (GHC) Kurt Stuenkel, President and CEO of Atrium Health Floyd, has been named a recipient of the University System of Georgia (USG) Regents Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award.
Nominated by GHC, the award was presented during the USG Foundation’s 21st annual Regents’ Scholarship Gala, which raised more than $4.5 million this month to expand need-based scholarships for USG students across the state.
Stuenkel has been a driving force in advancing healthcare across Northwest Georgia. With decades of leadership in hospital administration, he has guided Atrium Health Floyd through a period of growth, innovation, and strengthened community partnerships. Under his direction, the health system has expanded access to high-quality care while addressing the evolving needs of the region’s patients and families.
A strong advocate for education and workforce development, Stuenkel has played a pivotal role in forging Atrium Health Floyd’s partnership with GHC. Together, they are working to combat the critical nursing shortage in Northwest Georgia by creating new opportunities for students to pursue nursing and other health science careers.
His vision ensures that not only will the region’s healthcare system remain strong, but that it will also be staffed by well-trained, compassionate professionals prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
“Having Kurt as a friend of Georgia Highlands College is a gift to our students and our region,” said Lisa Jellum, Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Partnerships and Innovation and Dean and Associate Professor for the Atrium Health Floyd School of Health Sciences at GHC. “He leads with vision, keeps patients at the center, and champions the next generation of caregivers.”
Jellum says the college’s partnership with Atrium Health Floyd is transforming lives through scholarships, high-impact clinical training, and expanded program capacity that keeps more graduates here in Northwest Georgia caring for the communities we serve.
Start classes this October at apply.highlands.edu and hear from GHC and hear from GHC President Mike Hobbs on Stuenkel’s impact in the video below.
