Triston Carter Named Top College of Nursing and Health Sciences Graduate at VSU

Triston Lee Carter of Lake Park, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2022 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Valdosta State University. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences during VSU’s 233rd Commencement at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, on the Front Lawn.

VALDOSTA — Triston Lee Carter of Lake Park, Georgia, is the recipient of the Spring 2022 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Valdosta State University.

The President’s Award for Academic Excellence is presented to a high-performing graduating student in each of VSU’s six colleges — Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of the Arts, James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Mathematics.

Carter will be recognized during VSU’s 233^rd Commencement at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, on the Front Lawn. She will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.

“I am beyond blessed and honored to be named a top graduate of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences,” she shared. “Attending VSU has had a tremendous impact on my life by bringing new friendships and allowing me to remain close to home and family during a season in which those things mattered most. Due to the reality of the world these last two years, there have been some unique challenges to overcome, but I have always strived to do my best and remain committed to my studies. Even though it took a lot of prayer, tears, and late-night studying, I am proud to say that the hard work was worth it, and I give all the glory to God for helping me every step of the way.”

Carter came to VSU after graduating valedictorian from Echols County High School and graduating with honors with an Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing from Georgia Military College, both in 2020.

As a student at VSU, Carter’s commitment to academic excellence resulted in her earning repeated Dean’s List honors and the 2022 Outstanding Senior College of Nursing and Health Sciences Award. She was a Zell Miller Scholar.

Carter plans to attend the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Florida, after graduation and pursue a master’s degree in health administration.

“I am also exploring career paths in biomedical sciences or public health in addition to healthcare administration,” she said.

Carter’s supportive family includes parents Richard and Sherrie Carter, sister Brianna Carter, grandmother Lorene Carter, and a number of aunts and uncles. She is an active member of Lake Park Church of God, where she is involved in the children’s ministry and the choir.