Meet Shaun.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

I was a Music Professor in Atlanta for 20 years, but then life decided that I would be moving to the Mid-Atlantic with few prospects quickly finding a job in my field. I took it as the universe telling me to try something new... so at 49, I went to Nursing School, got my ASN two years later and passed my boards.

Did you have an ah-ha moment about wanting to become a nurse?

I had actually begun nursing school once before in my 20s. I think I have always been attracted to the idea of nursing – the wide variety of settings and specialties, not to mention the flexibility portability of the degree. If life ever decides that I must move again, I will have a job pretty much wherever I go!

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

I have been employed with WVU Medicine for the last nine years, and they encourage us to become baccalaureate-prepared RNs by reimbursing tuition at WVU! What an amazing perk! So, I took advantage of that program.

What set WVU SON apart from other colleges?

I was impressed at the quality of the professors that we had in the online sections. They were really great. I never felt like anyone let us get too lost/behind/discouraged. They supported us all the way.

Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?

I really just recall feeling supported overall by the amazing professors that guided us every step of the way. They did an outstanding job.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?

Make a calendar the very first day of the semester – and "double book" everything 5 days before it is due. You never know when the internet is going down, or you have to work an extra shift right before something huge is due. 

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I am applying for the Master of Health Administration program at WVU!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

From education. This is my 6th University, and at 60, I am beginning my 6th college degree. EVERY class I have ever taken has inspired me to explore and learn something new about the world and about myself. Even “pre-reqs” that weren’t really all that germane to my majors have been inspirational. Statistics was about the best class I never wanted to take! Wish I could take it again! Life-long learning is so important to staying inspired!

Why would you recommend WVU SON to someone?

I really felt like the professors cared about us all, even through the online format. The emotional bandwidth was limited by the very nature of the medium, but their care and concern really shone through!

Anything else you’d like to add.

Congrats to all my colleagues in the Spring 2025 Cohort! I was delighted to finally meet so many of you in person at the Coliseum for our big day! I think ten of us were there! What fun to finally meet the people I had been talking to for two years!