Hattie Bessent

Hattie Bessent (March 7, 1908 – October 31, 2015) was an American psychiatric nurse. Perhaps her most significant accomplishments lie in her efforts to recruit members of ethnic minority groups into the field of nursing and provide training and mentorship to increase the proportion of members of ethnic minority groups in nursing leadership positions. Bessent received her B.S. degree from Florida A&M University, an M.S. degree from Indiana University, and an EdD from the University of Florida in Psychological Foundations.

Recognition Bessent was designated as a Living Legend of the American Academy of Nursing, at the academy's 40th Annual Meeting and Conference in 2013. In addition, she was part of organizations such as Phi Lambda Theta and Phi Delta Kappa. Dr. Bessent also received numerous awards such as the ANA's Mary Mahoney Award, Linda Richard Award, and the National Black Nurses Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.