BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  Nursing runs in the family, and now West Virginia Wesleyan College degrees do, too.

During Commencement Weekend, visiting assistant professor Valerie Jordan M’25 pinned her son Noah Jordan ’25 in the Nursing Convocation and presented him with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing diploma the next day. She also participated in both ceremonies as a graduate with her MSN in Nursing Leadership.

Valerie began teaching at WVWC in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and more than 20 years of experience in psychiatric mental health, but decided to pursue graduate studies.

“I started taking one class at a time, one or two a semester, working towards my Master’s in Nursing Leadership, and I’m hopefully getting my doctorate next year in leadership,” she said. “To continue working here at Wesleyan, which I love, I wanted to further my education, and I like learning.”

For Noah, choosing nursing follows a family tradition.

“My great-grandma was a nurse, my grandma was a nurse, and my mom was a nurse, and she was my biggest inspiration,” he said. “She loves helping people, which made me want to be like her. She is always kindhearted and loves caring for people. I hope I can be half the nurse she is one day.”

At WVWC, Noah found the School of Nursing Program nurturing and encouraging.

“It’s very family-oriented here,” he said. “They care for all their students, and they are willing to work with you if you are having life troubles or need time on any assignments. They care for your success and want you to succeed in the program. They want you to succeed and do well.”

Regarding school, Noah had family support at Middleton Hall and home through his mom.

“I leaned on her the most probably — she has been my biggest support system throughout everything,” he said. “She has helped me study. She has given me tips on how to be successful.”

Nursing Convocation and Commencement were extra special with the two graduates.

Valerie added, “I was just so proud of him and his accomplishments, and I was so honored that they let me give him a diploma. Our administration and faculty are wonderful to work with. That day was bittersweet -we got to see our family and share it.”

Noah will be working on the cardiac stepdown unit at Ruby Memorial Hospital, but like his mom, is also planning to pursue graduate education. He will apply to WVWC for his psychiatric nursing practitioner degree in partnership with Shenandoah University.

Having struggled with mental health issues, Noah said it is something close to his heart as he looked at careers in nursing.

“I feel like we need more people here for those who are mentally ill and unable to take care of themselves,” he said

Valerie has transformed her career from working in psychiatric nursing to teaching the next generation of nurses.

“My mom was a nurse and an educator, and I had taught 14 years in CNA program classes,” she said.

Coming to WVWC has expanded those opportunities as she is left with her major project to finish her doctorate.

“I love the students,” she said. “We have an excellent group of students who come through Wesleyan. They try very hard and are very respectful. Two who graduated were in my first freshman class.”

WVWC offers flexible degrees and stepping stones to further nursing education, including launching a new LPN to BSN pathway and several master’s and doctoral programs.

“The FNP program is probably one of the most popular,” she said. “We have had a 100 percent pass rate for the last several years.”

With the early assurance program, students can begin taking graduate classes going into their senior year, allowing them to complete some courses while earning their BSN.

Valerie said, “Wesleyan is a great place – the whole campus. All of it is very family-oriented, like Noah said. Everybody is there to help each other. You can always reach out. Our students work well together, peer to peer and student to faculty.”

Recently, students took care of a paraplegic patient who was so appreciative that his hygiene needs were met.

“Two students wrote in their reflection that they would never forget that experience,” she said. “I will never forget that experience.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences 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 as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 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.