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Looking Back at 2025: WCU Reflects on a Year of Progress and Possibilities

Courtney Eaves — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:34:08 +0000

There’s something about the end of the year that makes you want to look back and reflect on what’s happened over the past 12 months. At ��, we have many reasons to feel proud of what we’ve accomplished in 2025. From alumni achievements to community impact, there’s so much to celebrate this year — and more possibilities to look forward to in 2026.

WCU Campuses Earn National and Local Recognition

This year, �� was proud to earn recognition across our campuses in Miami, Texas, and Southern California. In 2025, Georgetown University released a study showing WCU schools offer an extremely high return on investment for graduates, ranking among the top-performing institutions nationwide.

We were also proud to receive some distinctions on both national and local levels.

2026 Niche Rankings

For another year, multiple WCU campuses earned national recognition as top-rated colleges in Niche’s annual rankings, which based on factors like academics, value, safety, and students’ personal experiences.

Once again, renewed several of its first-place Niche rankings for 2026:

#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in America
#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in Texas
#1 Best Value Colleges in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

Meanwhile, earned this impressive first-place distinction for 2026:

#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in Florida

These rankings reflect our students’ dedication and the supportive environment our staff and faculty work hard to build.

Local Honors

In 2025, local communities also showed their support for WCU:

WCU-Texas was voted Best College or University in the Best of Dallas 2025, hosted by the Dallas Observer.
WCU-Miami was named the Best School/University in the Miami New Times’ Best of Miami 2025 Readers’ Poll.

These awards have special meaning, because they come directly from the communities we serve.

How WCU Students Gave Back in 2025

Community outreach is a fundamental part of the WCU experience. This year, students again stepped up to serve their communities:

Flood relief in Texas: When devastating floods hit Texas in July, the WCU-Texas community came together to raise money for the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Through the efforts of students, faculty, and staff and a dollar-for-dollar match from the WCU Foundation, we raised over $5,700 to help our neighbors in Texas Hill Country.
Free dental care in Orange County: For another year, WCU-Orange County dental hygiene students and faculty provided free dental services for children at the annual Smile Camp. The event had such a high turnout that many students kept volunteering after their scheduled shifts had ended.
WCU students and sisters recognized for volunteerism: Two WCU-Los Angeles nursing students and identical twins Zoie and Midori P. received local media attention for their commitment to volunteering at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Zoie and Midori’s story is similar to many other WCU students who donate their time and effort to serving others in their communities.

WCU Students and Alumni Move Forward in Their Journeys

Every year, we’re inspired by the WCU students and alumni who make progress in their academic and professional journeys. These are just a few of the stories that stood out this year:

Cynthia’s Story: A Diagnosis Brings New Determination

After a life-changing cancer diagnosis while pregnant with her sixth child, Cynthia C. found new determination — and her life’s mission.

“Cancer gave me a second chance at life,” Cynthia shared. “Now, I understand my purpose. If I wasn’t sure before, I am now.”

A nurse-patient navigator who supported Cynthia during chemotherapy inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. She enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at WCU-Los Angeles, where she graduated in July.

Now, she’s ready to help other patients and offer them the same compassion she received during a difficult time.

“I see myself in them,” she said. “We’re all afraid of the unknown, but having someone to hold your hand and guide you makes it a little easier. It lets them know they’re not alone.”

Adam’s Journey: An Impact Beyond Bedside Care

Like many other WCU alumni, Adam B. has made a significant impact that goes well beyond caring for his young patients.

As a pediatric specialist nurse working in an ER, Adam became aware of the difficulties staff experienced while placing infant IVs. He knew he had to do something to make this process easier. Working with another pediatrics nurse, Adam developed a vein finder for young patients, which he named the Firefly Vein Light.

For his innovation, Adam received the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award at the 2025 WCU Alumni Awards. Adam credits the faculty at WCU for inspiring students to think about all the ways in which they can care for patients.

“Coming from a university, where they celebrate alumni making an impact beyond bedside care — it’s truly special,” Adam shared. “We’re trying to enhance the quality of care for kids. And so, this award means more than you know.”

Varduhi’s Experience: Resilience Overcomes Challenges

It’s common for WCU students to experience some challenges on their way to graduation. Alumna Varduhi O. proves that it’s possible to overcome those barriers with perseverance, grit, and determination.

When Varduhi moved to the United States from Armenia at age 23, she didn’t know any English. But that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. She worked hard and eventually enrolled in WCU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program, earning her PharmD while also raising two young children.

Varduhi, a first-generation immigrant, is now the first person in her family to earn a doctoral degree. She’s proud of what she’s accomplished and the example she’s setting for her children.

“I want them to see how hard work and commitment will help you and others live in a better way,” she reflected.

Start 2026 With Purpose at ��

Looking back over 2025 gives us a chance to celebrate what we’ve accomplished at ��. Students continued to work hard toward their goals, alumni made significant contributions in their fields, and our campuses continued to come together for a greater good. We’re grateful for another year of progress and excited about all the possibilities to come in 2026!

If you’re already looking ahead to the new year, there’s no better place to pursue your goals than WCU. We offer flexible online and on-campus programs designed to help you advance your education and take the next step toward your future career. With WCU’s range of programs in nursing, healthcare, and business, you can explore a path that fits your goals.

To learn how WCU can fit into your plans for 2026, schedule an information session today!

The post Looking Back at 2025: WCU Reflects on a Year of Progress and Possibilities appeared first on ��.

Veteran and WCU Grad Sets Sights on Future in Dental Hygiene and Business

�� — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:00:59 +0000

After six years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, Freddy H. knew he wanted a career in the dental field. There was just one problem: The Marine Corps is the only branch without its own dental or medical program.

“I always wanted to do the dental field,” Freddy said. “We rely on the Navy for that. So either stay in or get out. I decided to get out and pursue my career in the dental field.”

The transition wasn’t immediate. Freddy left the military in 2019, taking a year to find the right program. He completed online coursework with other schools while overseas, but it wasn’t until 2022 that he enrolled in ��’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program in Orange County.

West Coast’s accelerated format was a deciding factor. “Other programs took a little longer to get in,” he said. “With West Coast, you go into general education and go straight into the actual program itself.”

The program was Freddy’s first in-person college experience, and he adapted quickly — thanks in part to WCU’s hands-on approach. “At West Coast, they do provide simulation for every student. It’s a pretty good experience, especially with hands-on. And then of course we have the clinical aspects as well, with dental hygiene having their own facility out of the Manchester campus,” he said.

Freddy’s motivation came from being a first-generation college student and making his parents proud. “That was my motivation — going into college and being the first grad,” he said.

Looking back, he wished he had started sooner. “I probably would have started the program a long time ago … and I would have got my bachelor’s degree way faster,” Freddy admitted. “But as long as I did it, I still accomplished it. That’s the main goal.”

For future students, Freddy recommends dental hygiene for those who want a career between dental assisting and dentistry. “If you want to get into the dental field like dental hygiene, I would definitely recommend it,” he said. “West Coast does prepare you. It is a rigorous program. They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing.”

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From Trauma Nurse to Professor: BSN Grad Comes Full Circle at WCU-Texas

�� — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

After a decade of saving lives in emergency rooms and trauma units, Melanie H. has returned to where her nursing journey began — this time, as a professor.

A two-time graduate of ��, Melanie earned her BSN in 2017 and later completed her MSN in education. Now, she’s teaching the next generation of nurses at the same institution that once transformed her from a struggling student into a confident healthcare professional.

“I was a C student, not strong in math or science — and I became an A student,” she said. “Anyone can do it if your heart’s in it.”

Before nursing, Melanie was a project manager raising a family. Her career path changed dramatically the day her 12-year-old son nearly drowned. She watched in awe as nurses and hospital staff worked together to save his life.

“That was my moment,” she said. “This is what I want to do. I want to make that difference.”

Gaining Real-World Experience in Trauma and ER Nursing

Melanie embraced the intensity of nursing, gaining hands-on experience in ERs, trauma units, dialysis centers, county hospitals, and correctional facilities. But even early on, she felt drawn to education.

“Even in nursing school I said, ‘I want to be a teacher,’” she recalled. “Students asked me to tutor. Professors had me run the final review.”

Teaching at ��: A Full-Circle Moment

Her passion for education has come full circle. In March, she officially joined the WCU faculty. “I’m loving it,” she said. “Just seeing their excitement when they learn something new and I get to play a part in giving them that knowledge.”

Preparing Future Nurses with Advanced Training Technology

Melanie takes pride in preparing her students for real-world healthcare environments, especially through advanced technology. “We didn’t have all this tech,” she said. “Now students train on real systems — Omnicell, charting software — they’re prepared. It gives them an edge.”

The Support That Helped Her Succeed — Now Passed On

She also understands firsthand the power of student support. “From Day One, it was personal. Professors care,” she said. “You’re not just a number here — you are set up to succeed.”

Looking Ahead: Giving Back Through Education

For Melanie, teaching at �� is more than a job, it’s a legacy. “I want to share what I gained and what I received when I was a student,” she said. “I’m giving back what was given to me.”

And she’s not done yet. Melanie plans to pursue a doctorate through WCU so she can eventually teach in the MSN program. “My journey wasn’t easy, but I succeeded because of West Coast,” she said. “They support you from start to finish.”

The post From Trauma Nurse to Professor: BSN Grad Comes Full Circle at WCU-Texas appeared first on ��.

Working Mom Turned Life Experience into Career Success as Texas Nurse

�� — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000

For Debbie Lee S., balancing the demands of nursing school while raising children was no small feat. As a full-time student and full-time mom, Debbie Lee brought a level of maturity and resilience to her studies that helped her stand out in a competitive field.

“As a mother, a wife, and an employee, we also need to be recognized,” she said. “I believe this field of nursing and wanting to pursue your career in nursing — there is a place for us.”

That place, for her, was ��-Texas, where she leaned into a strong support system and found her confidence. “The foundation was fitting into West Coast, and I fit in perfect here,” Debbie Lee said. “I got the support that I needed here to fulfill my dreams and my children’s dreams.”

From Clinicals to Confidence

Debbie Lee’s previous work as a patient care technician gave her a leg up when entering clinicals and simulation training but even with experience, there was still a learning curve.

“In the beginning, SIM was like, ‘OK, this is so weird,’” she said with a laugh. “But after a few rotations, it warmed me up. I let go. I talk as if the patient was actually a real patient… Now when I’m at clinicals, I move like an expert.”

She credited her comfort and preparedness to the instructors who guided her through SIM labs, helping her transform classroom learning into clinical confidence.

Persistence Pays Off

Debbie Lee’s job search was anything but easy. After attending over 20 interviews with little success, she took matters into her own hands.

“I said to myself, ‘I’m going to step out and I’m going to be Debbie, and I’m going to be bold,’” she said.

That boldness paid off. By the end of her clinical rotations, she had multiple interviews at hospitals. One even came from a chance elevator conversation with a manager who later conducted her formal job interview.

“It didn’t feel like an interview,” she said. “It was more like she’s getting to know me.”

Looking Ahead

With a new job, a soon-to-close house, and plans to eventually pursue her master’s degree, Debbie Lee’s journey is far from over. But for now, she’s enjoying the moment — and encouraging others to believe in themselves too.

“You may not see it right now,” she said, “but the support is there every step of the way.”

The post Working Mom Turned Life Experience into Career Success as Texas Nurse appeared first on ��.

Recent �� BSN Graduate Bring History of Goodwill to ICU as Nurse

�� — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000

For Greg D., graduating with his bachelor of science in nursing from ��-Ontario marks the end of a three-and-a-half-year journey and the start of a new chapter in healthcare.

Greg’s path to nursing wasn’t traditional. Before entering the field, he worked as a supervisor at Goodwill, supporting individuals with special needs. “They really liked me. I really liked just the whole environment of caring — being of service to others,” he said. His father’s role as a surgical ICU manager and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic helped solidify his decision to pursue nursing.

When he started at ��, Greg earned his certified nursing assistant license, gaining hands-on patient care experience. “Right when I started West Coast, I got my CNA license and then that’s when I was like, OK, this is what I want to do,’” he said.

For Greg, the best part of nursing is the connection with patients. “Being of service to others is the best human experience, in my opinion,” he said. “When you actually do good work and heal people… they show their gratitude, and you understand what they’re going through.”

Not every subject came easily: OB, for example, was a challenge. “I didn’t even know what a trimester was,” Greg admitted with a laugh. But rather than memorize, he focused on truly understanding the material, which paid off in the long run.

At 33, Greg values ��’s accelerated pace for students looking to make a career change. “I recommend it to my co-workers all the time, especially if you’re a lot older,” he said. “Especially for the accelerated way to go.”

Balancing school and work, Greg spent two years as a CNA before taking a student nurse position, which helped him develop confidence and clinical skills. While he never wanted to quit, there were moments of doubt. “It’s going to be hard,” he said. “It was a big sacrifice on lifestyle… I had to stop hanging out with certain people, stop watching TV. Definitely a big lifestyle change.”

His advice for future nurses is straightforward: “Don’t do it for the money. The ones that don’t like nursing live more miserably. You can do this — it’s worth it.”

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WCU-Orange County Grad Channeled a Dozen Years of Experience into Dental Hygiene Career

�� — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:00:08 +0000

Life threw its share of challenges along the way, including her mother’s battle with cancer, but recent �� graduate Bianca C. never lost sight of her goal.

“Life happens… but I’m happy to say that none of them stopped me,” she said.

After spending the past 12 years working as a dental assistant while slowly chipping away at her coursework, earning her bachelor of science in dental hygiene from ��-Orange County was the culmination of more than a decade of dedication to the dental field.

Her decision to join West Coast came after encouragement from a WCU graduate she met at a clinic. “There’s no time like now to… finish my degree and do dental hygiene,” she recalled. While she considered other programs, ��’s accelerated format and bachelor’s degree option aligned perfectly with her long-term ambitions.

Bianca praised the program’s hands-on approach, including simulation stations that mimicked real dental hygiene stations. “It was kind of like having our own little practice… we were able to cultivate our own environment in that cohesive unit,” she said.

Beyond the classroom, she embraced WCU’s community service focus. She participated in outreach through the Elimination Foundation, Children’s Dental Health Clinic, and even traveled to Catalina Island to provide care for children in need. “Above all… it’s just so rewarding to give back to the community… and educate our patients on oral health diseases and how there’s a correlation between the systemic body and the oral cavity,” she said.

Her advice to future dental hygiene students is straightforward: “Stay adaptable, open-minded, willing… and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult… but it’s so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you’re going to get your degree.”

Bianca already has a job lined up and plans to expand her career into military service as a dental hygienist in the reserves. Her long-term vision includes earning her RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) credential, becoming a dentist, and continuing to serve underserved communities.

“It’s a milestone,” she said. “It took several years to get here, but I’m blessed with this opportunity — and I’m ready for what’s next.”

The post WCU-Orange County Grad Channeled a Dozen Years of Experience into Dental Hygiene Career appeared first on ��.

WCU MHA Grad Earns Fellowship and Grant to Advance Healthcare Leadership

�� — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:00:14 +0000

For recent �� graduate Max L., the path to healthcare leadership has been anything but linear.

“I have always wanted to do management and then I was originally trying to do physical therapy,” Max explained. “I applied twice, and I didn’t get in both times.”

That redirection led him to ��’s Online Master of Health Administration program, and now he can shape the future of healthcare leadership.

Balancing Full-Time Work and Graduate School

Currently serving as a rehabilitation aide in Roseville, California, Max was recently named the 2024 recipient of the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant. The award provides up to $30,000 for graduate tuition, books, and fees, and secured Max a place in the highly competitive 2025-26 Sutter Health Administrative Fellowship cohort.

“I was able to look up different schools that allowed me to do school and work at the same time, [and be flexible] if I needed to accelerate it or flex it backwards and slow it down. I found this in ��.”

Max began his program in March 2024 while working full-time. The program’s flexibility allowed him to accelerate his studies and stay on track to graduate by June 2025, all while transitioning into new administrative roles at work.

Support from Faculty and a Busy Lifestyle

“I felt like I was able to keep up with the two classes at a time and still work 40 hours a week,” Max said. “At first, I was kind of like, ‘OK, am I going to have to cancel some stuff?’ because I also play on four softball teams and I travel a lot. I went to eight weddings last year and I was able to still get all the stuff done. It was a good experience to be continuously busy. I’ve always been super busy, and so I’m grateful that I was able to do that with ��’s online program.”

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant wasn’t just about funding, it was about opportunity.

“The administrative grant and fellowship… you have to be doing an accredited master’s program, you have to be working full-time, it had to be in health administration, a master’s in business or nursing,” Max said. “You had to get letters of recommendation, go through a Zoom interview with executives, and then an in-person interview in Sacramento. It was stressful, but it worked out.”

Preparing for a Healthcare Leadership Role

That process led to a life-changing next step.

“With the administrative fellowship, I get paired with one of the CEOs in the company for a year,” Max said. “I am going to be paired with the CEO of all surgery centers of Northern California for Sutter and work with a couple doctors and be a project manager. It’s a paid fellowship, and then on top of that I won the grant with it, and that covers $30,000 for school.”

Encouragement for Future Graduate Students

Max credits his ability to balance the demands of work, graduate school, and the fellowship process to the support he received from his professors and managers.

“The teachers have been great,” he said. “When I send them messages, they had time to respond and set something up. My jobs have been very flexible with allowing me to do some schoolwork and meetings. They’ve also understood this is a good career opportunity for me to build.”

Looking ahead, Max plans to use the Administrative Fellowship as a launching pad for his healthcare leadership career at his current workplace. For those considering advancing their education while working full-time, Max offers encouragement:

“A lot of people feel that they’re beyond going back to school and their window has sailed. It’s never too late,” Max said. “The thing I would definitely recommend is look at all the options available before just writing yourself off. There’s not one specific path for you to do one thing. And always be open to networking — talking to people about what they do and what you do, because you never know if they could help you.”

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Roommates, Classmates, Teammates: MPA Students Find Family at WCU-Texas

�� — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Built-In Support Through Roommates

What started as a housing scramble quickly became a support system that keeps Kelly T. and Maxlyn S. grounded through the intensity of the Master of Physician Assistant program. The two ��-Texas MPA students, who met through a GroupMe spreadsheet before ever stepping on campus, now share not only an apartment but also study sessions, clinical goals, and even matching sweatshirts.

“I wouldn’t change anything at all,” Kelly said. “It really… motivates me to get stuff done.”

Maxlyn agreed the arrangement made the hard days lighter.

“It has been really nice to be able to go home and know that I’m living with people who know what I’m going through,” she said.

Why They Chose the PA Path

Maxlyn said she always wanted to be in healthcare and discovered the PA role after a patient told her she was “their sunshine” on the worst day of their life — an encounter that stuck with her.

“I just fell in love with the PA program because you can really spend a lot of time with your patients,” she said.

Kelly once planned on medical school before shadowing in an emergency trauma bay. “I saw a PA… put in a chest tube,” she said. “I didn’t know that PAs could do that… I researched more and was like wait that’s so cool.”

Campus Culture and Community at WCU Texas

Both said word-of-mouth and an on-campus visit sealed their decisions. “I remember walking in and meeting all these people and just feeling… at home,” Maxlyn said. Kelly echoed that the program’s culture starts with people like Taylor Allen in admissions. “She was just a light,” she said.

The two also praised the cohort’s diversity of experience and small-class feel. “Everyone has so many different experiences… everyone has their own niche,” Kelly said.

Career Goals After Graduation

Kelly said she hoped to practice in a small town and give back to an underserved community, possibly in ER or family medicine. Maxlyn, who minored in nutrition, said she wanted to elevate nutritional literacy among patients and peers. Both lit up talking about PA Week, clinical match day, and representing WCU at competitions.

“At the end of the day… if you really want to be here and you have the work ethic and the determination to get there you will,” Kelly said.

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WCU-Texas BSN Graduate Went From Fear to Fulfillment to Find Her Calling

�� — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:00:32 +0000

Savanna S., a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at ��-Texas, didn’t just learn how to become a nurse — she discovered how to believe in herself, overcome fear, and thrive in a supportive academic environment.

Choosing a Nursing Career Despite Fear of Failure

Savanna began her nursing journey in January 2023, starting with general education courses before diving into her nursing core curriculum that August. Although passionate about healthcare, she admits the transition was intimidating.

“I think I was nervous because I was afraid to fail, like most students,” she said. “But that’s one of the biggest lessons I learned here — you need to fail so you can learn from those experiences.”

Her story reflects a powerful truth for many nursing students: growth comes not only from success but also from perseverance through setbacks.

Real-World Nursing Training in WCU-Texas Simulation Center

Savanna credits ��-Texas’ simulation center and clinical training resources for helping her develop hands-on skills and clinical confidence.

“The simulation center really makes you feel like you’re taking care of an actual patient,” she said. “It’s the best real-world, hands-on experience you can get.”

In addition to simulation labs, she took full advantage of tutoring services and support from WCU nursing instructors, helping her stay on track throughout the intensive BSN program.

Developing a Passion for Critical Care and Med-Surg Nursing

Through clinical rotations, Savanna discovered a strong interest in critical care nursing and medical-surgical (med-surg) nursing — high-pressure fields that demand quick thinking and compassionate care.

“Yes, it’s scary having a person’s life in your hands,” she said. “But I’m here, and I have the knowledge and information I need to help them.”

Supportive Nursing Cohort Helped Her Succeed

A key part of Savanna’s success came from the support she found within her nursing cohort — a tight-knit group of students who encouraged each other through exams, clinicals, and everyday challenges.

“It’s really important to have that support and be with a group that lifts you up,” she said. “Whether it was failing an exam or something we experienced at clinical — we talked through it and got through it together.”

What’s Next: Graduate Nursing School and CRNA Aspirations

Looking ahead, Savanna plans to continue her education by pursuing a master of science in nursing — with goals of becoming a nurse practitioner or applying to a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program. She’s even considering returning to �� for graduate school.

“I love this place because they gave me an opportunity and an environment where I could become who I dreamed of being.”

The post WCU-Texas BSN Graduate Went From Fear to Fulfillment to Find Her Calling appeared first on ��.

WCU-Texas MPA Students Showcase Community-Based Research at Third Annual Capstone Symposium

�� — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The ��-Texas MPA program recently hosted its third annual Capstone Symposium, celebrating the achievements of students completing their clinical-year research projects. The event highlighted the program’s growing partnerships with local healthcare organizations and showcased the next generation of compassionate, evidence-driven providers.

Bridging Research and Real-World Impact

What began as a student-led research showcase three years ago has now evolved into a statewide collaboration. For the first time, each student project was supported by local community partners, known as Capstone Sites, allowing students to address real healthcare needs across Texas.

“This year was the first year the projects were focused on and supported by local partners,” said Assistant Professor Jerrod T., who has led the Capstone Symposium since its inception in 2023. “Students worked through a needs assessment and helped their sites answer specific questions or collect data on topics that were of dual interest to both the students and the site.”

Assistant Professor Katie D. emphasized how this shift deepened student learning and community engagement. “Today, we intentionally collaborate with our clinical partners to develop projects that foster meaningful partnerships and address real needs within our communities,” she said.

Growth, Confidence, and Professionalism

This year’s symposium featured 46 students, divided into small groups, each presenting their findings to faculty, peers, and local site representatives. The projects represented a diverse range of research areas, from diabetes education in minority populations to emerging studies in venom-based treatments.

“The energy in the room was electric,” Katie said. “The faculty were beaming with pride, and students carried themselves with confidence and professionalism.”

Jerrod echoed the sentiment, noting how much the symposium has grown since its early days. “After the first year, we started collecting data and faculty feedback to improve each event,” he said. “This year, we had more campus staff, faculty, and students attend, and we even added a Zoom component so family, friends, and site supervisors could join in virtually.”

Research That Reaches Beyond the Classroom

Each capstone project reflects the MPA program’s mission of hands-on, community-centered learning. Students developed their research questions, obtained IRB approval, and collected and analyzed data; all while working alongside clinical partners throughout Texas.

“These projects provide valuable data and insights that help clinical sites identify gaps in care, implement quality improvements, and strengthen partnerships between the program and local healthcare systems,” Katie explained.

One highlight came from a student who presented research on a childhood disease they personally live with – connecting personal experience with professional passion.

For Jerrod, that connection between research and compassion is what the event is all about. “We need more strong clinicians comfortable doing hands-on research,” he said. “My hope is that through this project, some of these students will continue research in their future practice.”

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2025 puts the finishing touches on their capstone papers, they’re also preparing to enter the workforce. Jerrod and Katie both hope the event inspired the Class of 2026, who volunteered during the symposium, to carry forward the same spirit of inquiry and service.

“The symposium is the pinnacle event where we get to highlight the hands-on experiences the students have had with our community partners,” Jerrod said. “Our students are the hands and feet of healthcare in the community and surrounding areas. If I can help be part of that through the Capstone project, I’m all for it.”

The post WCU-Texas MPA Students Showcase Community-Based Research at Third Annual Capstone Symposium appeared first on ��.

News Archives | ��������

Looking Back at 2025: WCU Reflects on a Year of Progress and Possibilities

WCU Campuses Earn National and Local Recognition

2026 Niche Rankings

Local Honors

How WCU Students Gave Back in 2025

WCU Students and Alumni Move Forward in Their Journeys

Cynthia’s Story: A Diagnosis Brings New Determination

Adam’s Journey: An Impact Beyond Bedside Care

Varduhi’s Experience: Resilience Overcomes Challenges

Start 2026 With Purpose at ��������

Veteran and WCU Grad Sets Sights on Future in Dental Hygiene and Business

From Trauma Nurse to Professor: BSN Grad Comes Full Circle at WCU-Texas

Gaining Real-World Experience in Trauma and ER Nursing

Teaching at ��������: A Full-Circle Moment

Preparing Future Nurses with Advanced Training Technology

The Support That Helped Her Succeed — Now Passed On

Looking Ahead: Giving Back Through Education

Working Mom Turned Life Experience into Career Success as Texas Nurse

From Clinicals to Confidence

Persistence Pays Off

Looking Ahead

Recent �������� BSN Graduate Bring History of Goodwill to ICU as Nurse

WCU-Orange County Grad Channeled a Dozen Years of Experience into Dental Hygiene Career

WCU MHA Grad Earns Fellowship and Grant to Advance Healthcare Leadership

Balancing Full-Time Work and Graduate School

Support from Faculty and a Busy Lifestyle

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant

Preparing for a Healthcare Leadership Role

Encouragement for Future Graduate Students

Roommates, Classmates, Teammates: MPA Students Find Family at WCU-Texas

Built-In Support Through Roommates

Why They Chose the PA Path

Campus Culture and Community at WCU Texas

Career Goals After Graduation

WCU-Texas BSN Graduate Went From Fear to Fulfillment to Find Her Calling

Choosing a Nursing Career Despite Fear of Failure

Real-World Nursing Training in WCU-Texas Simulation Center

Developing a Passion for Critical Care and Med-Surg Nursing

Supportive Nursing Cohort Helped Her Succeed

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