The West Virginia University School of Nursing is hosting a Fall 2025 Virtual Open House for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at 6 p.m. EST.
Pumpkin spice, cinnamon, clove, pine — the scents of fall can instantly stir nostalgia, warmth and comfort. But those familiar aromas may be doing more than reminding us of cozy sweaters and flickering candles. A growing body of research suggests that what we smell can actually influence how we feel — emotionally and even physically. That’s something Marian “Marnie” Reven, an assistant professor at West Virginia University’s School of Nursing and a licensed aromatherapist, knows firsthand.
Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Director of the Faith Community Nursing program at the WVU School of Nursing, recently completed international training to become a Certified Forest Bathing Guide through the Forest Bathing Hub.
During Suicide Prevention Month in September, Melissa Coleman, BSN, RN, led impactful efforts to support youth mental health in her community in McDowell County. As a WVU School of Nursing-trained Faith Community Nurse, Coleman helped organize the Silent Suicide Walk in Iaeger, alongside students from the Riverview High School SADD Club. Together, they helped raise awareness and fostered dialogue around suicide prevention.
The WVU School of Nursing will receive more than $12,000 in funding from the Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation to support Faith Community Nursing efforts in southern West Virginia.
Jessica Matthews, MSN, RN, CNE, a clinical education assistant professor in the West Virginia University School of Nursing, has been named the 2025 recipient of the David H. Wilks Memorial Award for Excellence in Simulation presented by the WV STEPS David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education Patient Safety.
WVU School of Nursing Beckley Campus nursing student Peydon Smith recently joined a HealthNet team for a ride along experience. She joined the Base 5 crew and aircraft to observe two interfacility transfers. The crew mentored her through critical care transport teamwork and debriefing back at the Beaver base.
Dr. Ann Hendrickson, a clinical assistant professor at the WVU School of Nursing, visited the Hamamatsu Municipal Nursing School in Japan this summer to learn more about their curriculum related to geriatrics and to observe how they care for older adults. The two nursing schools have had a collaborative partnership since 2019.
Four WVU School of Nursing faculty members have been selected as counselors for Writer’s Camp, an online resource that supports nurses in writing, editing and publishing. The counselors are Dr. Brad Phillips, Dr. Roger Carpenter, Dr. Heather Carter-Templeton and Dr. Suzy Walter.
Dr. Brad Phillips, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at the WVU School of Nursing, has been selected to serve as a member of the Jonas Scholar Alumni Council for a two-year term.