SON Ambassador Program
About the Program
Launched in Fall 2022, the WVU School of Nursing Ambassador Program is offered each academic year on the Morgantown Campus, as well the Beckley and Keyser Campuses.
Selected students must attend and assist with SON/WVU events for prospective students, whether in person or virtual, along with working four office hours each non-event week in the Office of Student Services or elsewhere within SON as needed.
Students will be compensated with a scholarship for the academic year, awarded in two increments over each semester. Candidates must be in good academic standing.
When applications are open, students will receive an email with additional information about how to apply.
To learn more, contact program director Phillip Engelkemier (Phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu) or program assistant director Wendy Holdren (wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu). Please indicate the campus where you are located.
Meet Our Morgantown Ambassadors
Bella Bock, of Fairmont, wanted to become a School of Nursing Ambassador because it gives her the opportunity to showcase how rewarding it is to be a part of the nursing family at WVU, while also sharing her own experiences to support and guide others.
"I chose to become a nurse because I have always wanted to help and advocate for those who cannot help themselves," Bock said. "Through nursing, I am fulfilling that dream and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others."
She encourages high school students interested in nursing to attend a Discover Day at WVU to learn more about the nursing program and ask questions.
Autumn Hurst, of Grove City, Pennsylvania, already serves as a Tour Leader through the WVU Visitors Center, so she was glad to accept the School of Nursing ambassador position when the opportunity arose.
"The School of Nursing is a community, a family, and a place that can feel so intimate and accepting," Hurst said. "My second day on campus, I met other girls who had the same dreams as I did, and they are still my best friends today. To have a community like that is rare, and I think it is so important to emphasize that aspect of the WVU School of Nursing."
She want to become a nurse because it's a career built on the basis of serving others. For high schoolers interested in nursing, her best advice is to find your passion for why you want to become a nurse — "It keeps you driven and makes the goal achievable!"
Gracie Minney, of Charleston, West Virginia, says nursing is more than just a career for her.
"It can be challenging in many ways, but it is so rewarding," Minney said. "The WVU School of Nursing creates an environment that is built for success, and it is a place where I feel sure in my decision to become a nurse and serve my community."
Becoming an ambassador was important for her, so she could help other students feel welcomed and comfortable in their decision to come to WVU.
Laci Sears, of Hinton, West Virginia, wanted to become an ambassador because of her love of nursing school.
"I love talking about our program and how it has helped to shape me into the person I am," Sears said. "You hear a lot of negative things about nursing school on social media, and I wanted to be a positive voice for future students to let them know that while it is challenging, it is so rewarding."
More information on the other new ambassadors coming soon!
Meet Our Beckley & Keyser Ambassadors
Lyndsey Maiolo, of Beckley, wanted to become an ambassador to become more involved at the Beckley Campus and in the community.
"I chose nursing as my career path because I have a desire to help people and take care of them when they are in their most vulnerable state and hardest days of their lives," Maiolo said.
Kelsea Daniels, of Fairdale, wanted to become an ambassador to grow as a student, as well as to support prospective nursing students.
"For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a nurse," Daniels said. "I feel as though that is my true calling in life. I love being able to help people however I can in their darkest hours."
After graduating, Daniels hopes to care for mothers and babies and eventually become a midwife.
Emily Kuykendall, of Moorefield, is a student in the BSN program on the Keyser Campus. Her anticipated graduation date is May 2026.
"I applied to the nursing program because I wanted a career that would help me care for others but also allow me to experience a variety of specialties if I desired," Kuykendall said. "I love the lateral movement that a nursing career can provide because you are not stuck in one place!"
She wanted to become an ambassador because she felt she had a lot of knowledge and experience that she could pass along to other students.
"I also feel that I will be able to make a difference in the lives of current and future nursing students by providing them with a resource that can answer their questions about the program, working, commuting, etc."
She is a member of the Honors College, the HSC Student Advisory Board, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and a SOAR peer coach for 2024-25.