BUCKHANNON — Two local college nursing students were recently recognized during a special event.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital recently celebrated the future of nursing with a signing ceremony honoring two students selected for the Aspiring Nursing Program, a collaborative initiative with Davis & Elkins College and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Harley Linger and Lindsay Neel, both juniors at West Virginia Wesleyan College, were recognized as the latest recipients of the program’s support. Surrounded by faculty, hospital leadership, and family, the students formally committed to the program in a ceremony held at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The Aspiring Nursing Program provides selected students with financial assistance to help cover living expenses during nursing school. Each student is also paired with a WVU Medicine local liaison, offering mentorship and professional guidance throughout their academic journey and into their transition as newly licensed registered nurses.

“This program represents more than financial support–it’s a commitment to nurturing and mentoring our future nurses,” said Karla Tucker, BSN, CCRN, NE-BC, Director of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital. “Harley and Lindsay are outstanding students, and we’re proud to support them as they prepare to serve our communities with skill and compassion.”

The Aspiring Nursing Program is considered a key component of WVU Medicine’s broader strategy to address workforce needs and invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals across the region.

If you are a nursing student at Davis & Elkins College or West Virginia Wesleyan and would like more information about the Aspiring Nursing Program, please contact Angela Heavner at angela.heavner@wvumedicine.org.