News Type: Student

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine continues to expand their partnership with three freshmen entering into the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program this academic year. 

The Go D.O. Early Scholars Program allows qualifying students to receive guaranteed acceptance into the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, upon successful completion of the undergraduate program requirements and interview as well as a waived MCAT. The program represents the first of its kind partnership between WVSOM and another institution of higher learning. 

The first cohort will graduate from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2025 and head to WVSOM.

“As this program continues to grow, we remain so proud of the students who have made the choice to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine,” Dr. James Moore, president of West Virginia Wesleyan College, said. “Our region needs primary care providers who understand how to treat the whole person, and I know these students will be among the best practitioners anywhere. We continue to be honored that West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine thought of Wesleyan to partner in this program.”

Drake O’Dell ‘28, of Summersville, West Virginia, Dane Heath ‘28, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and Chloe Cox ‘28, of Craigsville, West Virginia, were introduced Friday.

Heath, a biochemistry major and mathematics minor, overcame a major medical event that inspired her medical school journey.

“When I was younger, I suffered a traumatic brain injury that took a huge toll on every aspect of my life, and doctors told me that I would never recover,” Heath said. “After several years, we discovered that the answer to my recovery lay in a holistic approach, and I knew I wanted to pursue medicine to help others facing what seem like doomed outcomes as well.”

Heath was drawn to the Go D.O. program in particular for a variety of reasons. 

“As I mentioned, the holistic approach to medicine is what helped me recover, so that’s mainly why I was drawn to the Go D.O. program as I knew I wanted to pursue osteopathic medicine,” Heath said. “WVWC is also part of the community that I’ve grown up in and the ability to stay here, close to family, as well as the lower in-state tuition offered by WVSOM, was too good to pass up; I feel very fortunate to have been given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

O’Dell, also a biochemistry major, is interested in the mental health field.

“I want to become a doctor so I can help fight the mental illness epidemic in my home state of West Virginia,” he said. “Many factors drew me to the Go DO program, WV Wesleyan and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine are both very prestigious schools that are close to where I grew up. They provide a top-notch education in a small school setting which I love, I am also terrified of the MCAT which I am now exempt from so long as I meet the GPA requirements.”

Cox, also a biochemistry major, said, “I have known from a young age that I wanted to be a doctor. There have been many illnesses in my family and I want to provide the support and be there for other families in need. My ideal goals for being a doctor include opening free clinics throughout the state of West Virginia, so health care can be more affordable and easier to access for families in need. 

“I chose to go the route of being a DO because I like how they focus not just on the specific illness but instead focus on the whole body. I gravitated towards the idea of holistic medicine and it truly intrigued me.”

Kaef Rehman ’25, of Daniels, West Virginia; Abigail Patterson ’25, of Charleston, West Virginia; Ravenna Navalgund ’26, of Irvin, Pennsylvania; Srikiran Nandigama ‘26, of Salt Point, New York; Tessa Sleeth ‘26, of Salem, West Virginia; Madelyn Armstrong ’27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Wyatt Burns ’27, of Weston, West Virginia; Jack Monks ’27, of Charleston, West Virginia;  Lanna Nguyen ‘27, of Bristow, Virginia; and Sophia Shoemaker ‘27, of Elkins, West Virginia, comprise the first three classes of Go D.O. Scholars. 

Applications are now being accepted for 2025 admission. The priority deadline is December 1.  In-state and out-of-state students who score at least a 1390 on the SAT or at least a 30 on the ACT and have at least a 3.75 grade point average qualify for the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program. Click here to find out more. 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s  Beta Beta chapter of Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society recently inducted two new members into its honor society. Elisha Taylor ’27, of Ridgeley, West Virginia,  and Carly Wolfgang ’26, of Leesburg, Virginia, qualified to join the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society on Oct. 21, 2024.

Faculty advisor for Lambda Pi Eta, Dr. Nancy Bressler, said, “It is wonderful to see the accomplishments these inductees will make within the field of communication. Their meaningful work in the department demonstrates how wonderful these students are.” 

 

Wolfgang said, “I am so excited to be joining an honors society like Lambda Pi Eta. I believe that it will be truly beneficial to me in the future as I look for job opportunities that will require my communication and marketing skills! I’m ready for the opportunities that are now open for me!”

 

Taylor added, “It has been such an honor to be considered and inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society. I am excited to gain more knowledge in communication and continue to do research on campus.”

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan’s School of Nursing formally welcomed 23 sophomores into the nursing program recently with a White Coat Ceremony, which was held in Wesley Chapel on the West Virginia Wesleyan College campus. 

White Coat Ceremonies have been conducted since 1993 within the medical profession, but are relatively new to nursing.  Ten years ago, in 2014, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing formed a new partnership with The Arnold P. Gold Foundation to introduce this rite of passage to nursing schools in recognition of the need for all members of the healthcare team to commit to providing compassionate care.

Dr. Kimberly White, Director of the WVWC School of Nursing said, “It is a great honor to present our nursing students with their white coats, a symbol of their responsibilities as health care providers as they affirm their commitment to providing humanistic, patient-centered care as they begin caring for those in clinical settings. In addition, we also perform the Blessing of the Hands ritual that serves as a powerful reminder of the sacred trust placed in the hands of nurses.”

Graci Ketterman ’27, of Buckhannon, said, “I was very excited to receive my white coat, it meant to me that I was starting my journey to becoming a nurse.”

Regarding future plans she stated, “A goal of mine would be to continue my education after nursing school into obtaining my master’s degree in nursing.”

Also receiving their white coats during the ceremony were Riley Amos, of Glenville, West Virginia; Laci Armes, of Dublin, Virginia; Gracey Arnold, of Rockmart, Georgia; Corey Baugh, of Coral Springs, Florida; Kailey Garofalo, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Ana Haught, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Elexus Heckert, of Jane Lew, West Virginia; Aiden Holbert, of Charleston, West Virginia; Patricia Kelley, of Philippi, West Virginia; Marisa Lauffer, of Mount Airy, Maryland; Harley Linger, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Isabel McCloy, of Simpson, West Virginia; Mallory McGinnis, of Scott Depot, Wirginia; Sydney McKinney, of Dublin, Ohio; Benjamin Meyer, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Dalaynie Myers, of Albright, West Virignia; Lindsay Neel, of Craigsville, West Virginia; Chloe Saltis, of Flemington, West Virginia; Emily Stewart, of Richmond, Ohio; Malayla Tompkins, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Francine Ugsang, of Lost Creek, West Virginia; Addison Walker, of Gerrardstown, West Virginia .

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  Twenty-seven West Virginia Wesleyan College students had an incredible opportunity recently to travel to Washington, D.C.  for some high-impact professional networking and career development training.

The trip was hosted and sponsored by Tad Rupp, a partner at Targeted Victory, according to Dr. Justin Bowers, Director of Career Services and Experiential Learning at WVWC.

“He and his team helped plan an amazing day that included meetings on Capitol Hill with staff members from the office of both Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, “ Bowers said. “We also spent time at the Philips office where we heard from Angel Riley ’99, David Young ’87, Phil A. Hancock ’02 and Dana Madden regarding internship opportunities, professional branding, and high-impact relationships.

“The evening was full of inspiration from both Paul D. Daugherty ’00 and the honorable Kimberly Reed ’93 sharing about the impact they’ve had on the world and how it all started at Wesleyan. We ended the day with a beautiful rooftop reception looking over D.C.,” Bowers said.

Prior to the trip, students also had an opportunity to connect with many of the trustees and others during a networking dinner held Homecoming Week.

Zeinah Abdelsalam ’25, of United Arab Emirates, said, “Grateful to the shared wisdom of everyone involved in this trip, I ended the day in D.C. with a wealth of knowledge about the city’s professional and social culture. As a current student, it has also deepened my pride in being part of Wesleyan’s alumni network—a network that continuously gives back in ways that are both generous and transformative.”

Bray Boggs ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, said, “I had been to Washington, D.C. once before as a sightseer, but it was a unique experience being able to bask in the professional world in our nation’s capital. As a political science major, exploring the opportunities in the field – from political consulting and lobbying to working for congressional staffs – and talking to passionate individuals gave me a renewed sense of confidence for my future.

“The biggest takeaway I can share from the trip is that no matter who you are or what your interests might be, there is a career path available. Work relentlessly to discover new horizons, and keep your eyes open at all times; you never know who or what you might bump into! Thank you to the faculty and alumni who helped organize this matchless event. It is a blessing to have such a dedicated network of support here at West Virginia Wesleyan College!”

Bowers added, “I cannot express how humbled I was to be in the presence of such knowledge, experience, and passion. Each of our guests, and so many Wesleyan alumni demonstrated servant leadership and our students soaked in the day.

“The other side of this was how well our students engaged. They took risks, stepped out of comfort zones, and represented themselves and Wesleyan with poise and coachability. It was a proud day to be a Bobcat and I was reminded of the gift of this role I am in.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Area youth are invited to a short concert by the WVWC Marching Bobcats for some ghoulish tunes, sweet treats and a “spooktacular” time.

A brief but festive Halloween Concert by the WVWC Marching Bobcats will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Aside from a smattering of some Halloween—themed tunes, children in costume will be treated to some goodies. 

Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Robert Palmer said, “The opportunity to perform for a younger crowd will be one of the highlights of the season. The band will dress up in their own costumes and let loose for the kids who come. Having performed in concerts like this in the past, I know both the audience and band will have an excellent time!

“Children who come will have the opportunity to showcase their costumes, win prizes, and get some candy at the end. Being the first time we’ve ever done something like this, I’m anxious to see the turnout from the Upshur County community.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  The West Virginia Wesleyan College Department of Theatre & Dance presents a murder mystery whodunnit that would baffle even the greatest detectives:

Three years ago, rising actor Derry Freefall was poisoned onstage during a performance, but her killer was never found. Now, auditions for roles at national theatres from across the nation are interrupted by a murder most ridiculous, and hysteria reigns as egos are unleashed and we see just how good bad actors can be at lying to their audiences! No one is safe as the clues bring us closer and closer to the truth. Oh, the humanity!  Oh, the drama! Oh, the overacting! There’s food, there’s music, there are laughs and zany antics galore as we try to solve one of the craziest mysteries to hit the stage!

The show is written and directed by Dr.  Greg Mach, associate professor, who explained that the show includes scripted and improvised segments so no two shows are the same.

“We started doing these dinner theatre mysteries 10 years ago, and we have such a blast every time,” he said. “It’s a great way to showcase our talent and the great food at these restaurants. The audience has so much fun because they are a part of the action- they have to figure out ‘whodunnit,’ or sit back and laugh while other people figure it all out. Either way, it’s two hours of fun, great food, and great music.”

“Doing these shows helps our students to learn the ins and outs of improvisational theatre. They never know what the audience will say or will ask them, so they have to figure out how to answer in character and in a way that will help their character get away with it, or implicate another character, or just move the plot along. And usually they’ll give us a good laugh along the way.”

Cast members include Makya Bradshaw ’28, of Summersville, West Virginia as ZaZa; Leigh Rice ’28, of Philippi, West Virginia as Mel; Sadie Huynh ’28, of Princeton, West Virginia, as Sam; Kostadena Matina Hartley ’27, of Buckhannon, as KC; Elijah W. Dickey ’27, of Chloe, West Virginia; as Ollie; Rhyan Sebring ’27, of Caldwell, Ohio, as Juice and WVWC’s Director of the MFA Program Dr. Doug Van Gundy as ChaCha.

Stage Manager is Emme Castellow and Hartley is the assistant stage manager and costumes.

Mach added,“Students learn how to build broad characters and play in a variety of spaces, adjusting the show each time they tour the show to a new venue. The Department of Theatre & Dance makes no profit from the shows, but uses them to help local businesses pull in new customers who might not have been to the venue before. It’s a lovely partnership between the C ollege and the local communities.”

Performances:

Nov. 10, 2 p.m.  The Lodge in Alpena, Bowden, WV

Menu:
Strychnine Salad with Fresh Bread
Petite Cyanide Filet
VX Mashed Potatoes
Arsenic Green Beans
Pineapple and Hemlock Upside Down Cake or Sarin Cheesecake
Price: $50

To make reservations, please call 304-636-1470

 

Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., French See Dining Hall at WV Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV (College Community with ID only)

Menu:

Hemlock and Pasta Salad
Strychnine Garlic Bread Sticks
Lasagna (Beef, Cyanide, and Vegetarian)
Nightshade Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans Almondine (for nut allergies)
Tetrodotoxin Cupcakes and Amotoxin Brownies

Price: Free with meal plan, or $11.53 for Wesleyan Community, friends, and family

Phone number/email for reservations: 304-473-8037/theatreboxoffice@wvwc.edu

 

Nov. 15, 6 p.m., The Lunch Box, Elkins, WV

Menu:

Cyanide Salad Bar
Deadly Nightshade Baked Steak”
Tetrodotoxin Mashed Potatoes
Strychnine Green Beans
Arsenic Cobbler
Uranium Tea and Soft Drinks

Price: $35

Info and reservations at: (304) 642–6083

Nov. 16, 6:30pm, Lambert’s Winery, Weston, WV

Menu:
Fresh Strychnine Salad
Chardonnay and Mercury Baked Chicken Breast
Garlic and Cyanide Baby Baked Potatoes
Tetrodotoxin Green Beans
Hot Baked Arsenic Artisan Rolls
Assorted Amatoxins Gourmet Desserts
Pay bar with Domestic Beer and Six Lambert Wines to choose from

Price: $45

Website for reservations:  lambertswinery.com. and  (304) 269-4903

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Faith Yoho ‘26, a junior at West Virginia Wesleyan College, embraced an opportunity in New York City as a Resident Counselor for Barnard College.

This past Summer, Yoho worked for Barnard’s Pre College Program as a resident counselor. This program allowed high school students from around the world to take college classes with Ivy League faculty.

Yoho was responsible for a hall of students ensuring their security and safety along with planning engaging programs for the students. She was also the chaperone of up to 14 students when traveling through the city on subways and buses.

Yoho plans to move to New York City after graduating with a Master’s in Business Administration. She states, “Because I want to move to New York City after my time at WVWC, having the opportunity to live in the city for almost three months was a great experience. My bosses heavily encouraged exploration during our time off, and allowed us to take advantage of incredible opportunities. I was able to navigate the city independently, which is something I had never done before.”

Barnard College is a small campus like the West Virginia Wesleyan College Campus which helped Yoho find comfort and feeling as though she was in her own home among the hills. The campus is located across from Columbia University where Yoho explored the library several times, even looking through the archives that the university holds. 

Yoho states, “I was greatly impacted by this summer. I was surrounded by students and coworkers from all over the country/world. Therefore, I was directly immersed in new cultures that were shared with me. It also greatly impacted my sense of independence, and allowed me to feel more assured in myself as an adult and my future. It was an incredible experience that I am forever grateful for. “

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Hannah Lively, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College, began the “Lunch Bunch” program at Buckhannon-Academy Elementary School to bridge the gap between students in 4th to 5th grade and adults with diverse backgrounds.

Students, including many athletes from West Virginia Wesleyan College, have been visiting Buckhannon-Academy Elementary School to eat lunch and converse with students from diverse backgrounds. 

Raveena Navaglund ‘26, a captain of the Women’s Lacrosse team stated, “Attending the diversity luncheon reminded me how important it is to celebrate our differences and find common ground at a young age. Seeing the kids embrace each other’s cultures with curiosity and respect was truly inspiring. My favorite part was witnessing how open-minded and eager they were to learn from one another and us college students.”

Ella Gomez ‘26, a team captain of the Women’s Lacrosse team, as well, stated, “Attending the luncheon was a wonderful experience. I learned how important it is to provide positive diverse role models for kids at such a young age. 

“My favorite part was when we introduced ourselves and our backgrounds. I was proud to say I came from a biracial family, and relating to the other biracial kids brought a meaningful sense of belonging despite our age difference! I look forward to attending the next one.”

This program was started due to Lively’s vision to bring students with diverse backgrounds together in the community. Young students have the opportunity to engage in intentional, positive interactions. 

Lively, alongside West Virginia Wesleyan College, wants to ensure students are supported and have a safe space at all times. Many hands and hearts have been supporting this initiative within the walls of BAES. Adam White, Principal – BAES, William Squires, – Vice Principal – BAES, Kirsten Coit-Fetty, counselor at BAES, and Jaeneika Westfall, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School alumna, have each been a helpful source in bridging the gap in staff awareness and student support. 

Lively states, “Partnering with WVWC and sharing common goals, roles, and backgrounds can strengthen our community within the education system to prepare all students for successful futures.”

It is Lively’s goal to include topics such as unconscious bias, Diversity vs. Inclusion, and offer Q&A sessions for students. She also hopes to find funding for books that represent cultures and positive messages to include at the visits. This program has sparked parents’ attention which in turn has created a diversity committee at BAES. The committee includes parents and PTO representatives wishing to broaden the reach to all grade levels.

 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  -West Virginia Wesleyan College President Dr. James Moore crowned new Homecoming Royalty during halftime of the WVWC football game Saturday.

Savannah O’Shields ’25, a marketing major from Bethany Beach, Delaware, and Cy Persinger ’25, a business administration and economics major who plans to pursue his MBA in healthcare administration, of Hico, West Virginia, were chosen as this year’s royalty by their peers.

Senior attendants were Sarah McCall ’25, a marketing major from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania; Kylie McMillian ’25, a marketing major from Columbus, Ohio; Lydia Phillips ’25, a criminal justice major from Philippi, West Virginia; Remmey Lohr ’25, of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, a management major with a double minor in marketing and art; Cayley Symons ’25, of Johannesburg, South Africa, an accounting and economics double major; Shelby Genes ’25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an exercise science/Master of Athletic Training student; Bree Moll ’25, a biology major from Craigsville West Virginia;  and Caleb Maxon ’25, of Ravenswood, West Virginia,  a biology and pre-med major.

Abigail Dilly ’26, a business administration and Master of Business Administration student from Lewisburg, West Virginia, was announced as the junior attendant.

Sophomore attendant was Meredith Cottrell ’27, of Elizabeth, West Virginia and a philosophy and political science double major with a minor in legal studies. Kenzie Clutter ’28, of Cameron, West Virginia, was announced as a first-year attendant.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Two West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing juniors have been accepted into the Aspiring Nurses Program through WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and have agreed to start their nursing careers with WVU Medicine upon graduation.

Hailey Pugh ’26, of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, and Emily Tackett ’26 of Cassidy, West Virginia, will receive up to $25,000 over the next two years. Upon completion of nursing school they will then become employed by WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The Aspiring Nurse Program is a program with a formal partnership between hospitals within WVU Health System and students at partnering schools of nursing.  Unlike a scholarship, students in the program receive financial assistance to help with life expenses while in nursing school. The money is intended to be used to support student needs throughout nursing school, which could include school expenses or other life expenses. Each student’s needs will vary, and the student will utilize discretion upon how best to handle the financial support provided by the Aspiring Nurse Program.

In addition to financial assistance, students are paired with a WVU Medicine local liaison to mentor them throughout nursing school and help during their transition to practice as a new RN. The Aspiring Nurse Program is not based on individual financial aid status, but applicants are required to go through an application and interview process. For more information, go to wvumedicine.org/aspiring-nurse-program.

The two WVWC juniors were recognized along with Davis and Elkins senior Madisyn McDaniel.

Pugh said she chose nursing as a way to help others after having positive experiences with those in the health care field.

“I have always had a soft spot in my heart for helping other people,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a fixer of all the boo-boos. I really look up to health care professionals who I work with and who I have been taken care of by personally.”

Pugh is completing a nursing externship in obstetrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital and has decided that is where she wants to continue her nursing career.

“It is a big opportunity for me and it’s a big honor,” she said of being selected for the Aspiring Nurses program. “I really appreciate everyone who I have interviewed with and talked with about the program.”

Tackett was inspired to become a nurse both by her grandmother and her love of science in high school.

“My grandma was an in-home care nurse,” she said. “I would listen to her talk about taking care of people and that sparked my interest. I grew up in a really big family, so I was always taking care of a little sibling or cousin.”

Tackett said she wants to become a labor and delivery nurse and the Aspiring Nurses Program will help her achieve her goals.

“It is an honor,” she said. “I’m blessed to have it because it is setting me up to succeed.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.