On this episode of Our Communiversity Today, host Dr. Ramon Stuart welcomes Hillary Parcell, chair of the nursing program at WVU Tech, for a conversation about nursing education, leadership, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals in Southern West Virginia. A Fayette County native, first-generation college student, and graduate of WVU Tech’s nursing program herself, Parcell shares the journey that took her from nursing student and healthcare professional to faculty member and, ultimately, leader of the program that helped launch her career.
Parcell discusses the importance of building relationships with prospective students and how that approach has helped WVU Tech grow its nursing program. She and Dr. Stuart explore efforts to introduce young people to nursing earlier, including the Level Up Nursing Pathway, which allows participating high school juniors and seniors to begin completing college coursework, and the Southern West Virginia Junior Nursing Academy, where younger students get hands-on exposure to nursing, healthcare facilities, skills labs, and current nursing students.
The conversation also looks ahead to WVU Tech’s planned LPN-to-BSN program, scheduled to launch in fall 2027. Designed with working LPNs in mind, the program will offer nursing coursework online with clinical experiences during evenings and weekends. Parcell explains how earning a bachelor’s degree can provide LPNs with additional education and open opportunities for advancement, leadership, and greater autonomy in a variety of healthcare settings.
Throughout the episode, Parcell reflects on the people and experiences that shaped her career, from the example of hard work set by her family to the mentors who encouraged her to pursue nursing education. She also shares why teaching nursing became such a meaningful calling, allowing her to combine her love of education with a profession centered on caring for others.
Join Dr. Ramon Stuart and Hillary Parcell for a conversation about education, opportunity, and the future of nursing in Southern West Virginia. From creating pathways for high school students to helping working nurses advance their careers, this episode highlights how WVU Tech’s nursing program is working to educate quality nurses who will care for patients and communities throughout the region.
LPN to BSN student applications open November 1, 2026
WVU School of Nursing Beckley Campus is designed to create a direct pathway for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and enter the registered nursing (RN) profession, we offer this program on our Beckley Campus, located at WVU Tech, and our Keyser Campus, located at WVU Potomac State College.
Phone Number: (304) 640-3660
