Shepherd University and WVU Medicine Partner for Aspiring Nurses Program

ISSUED: 7 May 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University has entered into a partnership with WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center and Jefferson Medical Center to expand the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurses Program.

The partnership will strengthen their shared commitment to growing the next generation of nurses and supporting workforce development across the Eastern Panhandle and the surrounding region.

Through the agreement, WVU Medicine will collaborate with Shepherd University's School of Nursing to support students through academic progression, early professional exposure, and career readiness opportunities, as well as supporting the financial costs of higher education.

The WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurses Program is designed to connect students with WVU Medicine's facilities early in their education while helping them gain a deeper understanding of the nursing profession and the many career pathways available in healthcare.

Students participating in the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurses Program benefit from:

• Early engagement with WVU Medicine clinical environments

• Mentorship and guidance from experienced nursing professionals

• Exposure to a wide range of nursing roles and specialties

• Support navigating academic and licensure milestones

• Increased awareness of employment opportunities within WVU Medicine following program completion

"Nurses play a critical role in the health of our communities; they are caregivers, advocates, educators, and leaders," said Samantha Richards, MSN, RN, CENP, CNO and COO, WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center. "We are incredibly excited to partner with Shepherd University and support its strong nursing program. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to investing in people, strengthening the local workforce, and ensuring our communities continue to have access to high-quality, compassionate care."

Richards emphasized the importance of collaboration in preparing future nurses and expressed pride in the academic foundation Shepherd University provides its students.

"As our region continues to grow, so does the need for highly skilled and compassionate nurses," Richards said. "We are proud to partner with Shepherd University and support its nursing students as they pursue meaningful careers in healthcare. By working together, we can help students succeed academically, feel confident entering the profession, and ultimately serve close to home where they are needed most."

The Aspiring Nurses Agreement supports WVU Medicine's broader workforce strategy by encouraging students to advance nursing degrees while building long-term connections to the communities they serve. By fostering early engagement and professional development, the program helps strengthen the local nursing pipeline and supports the evolving healthcare needs of the region.

Director of the Shepherd University School of Nursing, Dr. Mary Hancock, said the partnership with WVU Medicine is important, and the new program will be a benefit to students.

"The Aspiring Nurses Program offers essential financial support to BSN students, enabling them to concentrate on their academic and clinical responsibilities," Hancock said. "Additionally, the post-graduation employment commitment ensures job placement within WVU, alleviating the burden of securing employment during the final semester of the nursing program. Collectively, these efforts strengthen student success while supporting the development of a well-prepared nursing workforce within the region."

Nursing remains one of the most impactful professions in healthcare, with nurses playing a vital role in patient outcomes, care coordination, and community well-being. Partnerships such as this reinforce a shared commitment to education, access, and the future of healthcare.

Learn more about the program.

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