We are delighted to report that Nancy Benavides, our associate dean for academic programs and student advancement, has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Peter N. Kutulakis Student Services Award. The award was presented to Nancy this week in Washington, D.C. Given by the AALS Section on Student Services, this award recognizes outstanding contributions of institutions, administrators, and law teachers in the provision of service to students. Nancy exemplifies the spirit of this award. For more than two decades, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that our students are supported in every way possible. As Professor Larry Krieger stated in his nomination letter of Nancy, “her inspiration, creativity, and seemingly boundless energy have resulted in a multitude of programs and activities that have brought incalculable benefit to our students.” Nancy is always available to meet with students who need personal guidance and encouragement; expertly leads a team of talented individuals to implement innovative student programming, including events in our robust wellness and professionalism programs; has served as a mentor to countless students and connected many more students with professional mentors to help them transition to the legal profession; and collaborates with other members of the law school administration on a daily basis to ensure exemplary support for all students in all areas.

With Nancy’s selection for this award, FSU Law is now the only law school in the nation with two recipients—Professor Krieger won the award in 2016. This achievement is further evidence that FSU Law’s student environment is remarkable. For two of our team members to be recognized in the area of student services at the national level is very rewarding, as we pride ourselves on cultivating a supportive, collaborative, and positive student culture. Please join me in congratulating Nancy on this much-deserved recognition and in thanking Larry for his efforts in writing an exquisite nomination letter for Nancy.