BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) and Mon Health System announced a partnership to offer nursing students a scholarship opportunity and employment guarantee upon graduation. The Mon Health Scholars program is open to students entering the associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs as well as those transitioning from LPN to ASN.

The program pairs with the WVWC nursing education of distinction and excellence with clinical rotation throughout the region including new opportunities within Mon Health System. Mon Health System, part of Vandalia Health, is the parent company of Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown, Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood, Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston, and Mon Health Marion Neighborhood Hospital in White Hall.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mon Health System to provide pathways for our stellar nursing graduates to start their careers at a top-notch system,” said Dr. James Moore, Interim President of West Virginia Wesleyan College. “Mon Health has proven that they care very deeply about the well-being of West Virginia and our people. This lines up perfectly with Wesleyan’s mission and our commitment to meeting the needs of our state.”

The scholarship provides financial support that can include tuition, textbooks, and academic fees. Once they earn their nursing degree, graduates are guaranteed employment within Mon Health System.

As part of the partnership, West Virginia Wesleyan College will also provide unique benefits to Mon Health System employees, spouses, and dependents including discounts and scholarships on full-time undergraduate and graduate tuition as well as priority enrollment events and services.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with West Virginia Wesleyan College and open up doors and opportunities for future nurses,” said David Goldberg, President and CEO of Mon Health System and Executive Vice President of Vandalia Health. “Our goal is to grow our own. This collaboration will help keep talented nurses in West Virginia to enhance the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time.”

Taking part in the ceremony on Jan. 20 were David Goldberg, President and CEO, Mon Health System and Executive Vice President, Vandalia Health, Dr. Krystal Atkinson, Chief Nursing Executive, Mon Health System and Chief Administrative Officer, Mon Health Medical Center, Dr. Lynn Linder, Vice President for Academic Affairs, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and John Waltz, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing, West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Scholarship applicants must be admitted to the WVWC nursing program and maintain a college cumulative GPA of 2.0, while still meeting the GPA requirements for the WVWC Nursing Program. Students who have less than 12 credits of college coursework must have a high school GPA of 3.0. Students must also be a resident of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Maryland. Mon Health System will select award recipients for each fall and spring semester.

Students interested in applying for the Mon Health Scholars Program may visit MonHealth.com/MonScholars.

To learn more about the WVWC, visit WVWC.edu. To learn more about Mon Health System, visit MonHealth.com.

About Mon Health System: Mon Health System, part of Vandalia Health, is an integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient centers and hospitals in North Central West Virginia that works together to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to the communities it serves. It includes six hospitals – its flagship, Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown; Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood; Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston; Mon Health Marion Neighborhood Hospital in White Hall; affiliate, Grafton City Hospital in Grafton; Highland-Clarksburg Hospital in Clarksburg; and The Village at Heritage Point. Mon Health System is also part of many Joint Ventures such as Mon Health – DASCO Home Medical Equipment in Morgantown and Weston, Select Specialty Hospital, Monongalia EMS, Amedisys Hospice, Intermed Labs, Encompass, Healthworks, and the Mon Health Center for Outpatient Surgery to preserve choice, improve access and ensure the highest quality of care. For more information, visit monhealth.com.

About West Virginia Wesleyan College: West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts 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 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 more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 70 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.