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.”
Read more of Cynthia’s story here.
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.”
Read more about Adam’s journey here.
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.
Read more about Varduhi’s experience here.
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!
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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