WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH) have welcomed nine future nurses from the tri-state region into the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurse Program, a partnership with local nursing schools designed to strengthen the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals serving communities throughout the region.
For the first time, students from the West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) School of Nursing are joining the program, joining students from Allegany College of Maryland and West Virginia University Potomac State College.
“We are excited to expand our Aspiring Nurse Program partnership to include West Virginia Junior College,” stated Kendra Thayer, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services at GRMC and PVH. “We are excited to welcome our latest group of students to Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital and look forward to supporting them throughout their nursing education and as they begin their careers.”
Launched in 2023 by the WVU Medicine Center for Nursing Excellence, the Aspiring Nurse Program provides financial assistance and personalized support to students pursuing a pre-licensure registered nursing (RN) degree. Participants may receive up to $25,000 over two years, including a sign-on bonus and assistance with educational expenses over four semesters. In exchange, students commit to a three-year work agreement at a participating WVU Health System hospital upon graduation.
In addition to financial support, students receive opportunities to gain valuable experience and develop connections within the healthcare system.
“We want our Aspiring Nurse students to feel connected to our hospitals throughout their education, not just when they graduate,” Thayer said. “The program gives students the opportunity to job shadow in a clinical department of their choice, learn about nurse externship opportunities, participate in educational sessions, and connect with recent nursing graduates. They also have regular opportunities to meet with nursing leadership and work with our human resources team to explore areas of interest for their future nursing careers. Our goal is to provide these students with the support, experience, and connections they need to successfully transition from nursing school into their careers.”
The Aspiring Nurse Program reflects WVU Medicine’s ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals and ensuring access to high-quality patient care throughout the region.
The 2026 Aspiring Nurse Program cohort includes: Jennifer Beckwith, West Virginia Junior College; Keyana Cooper, West Virginia Junior College; John Diehl, West Virginia Junior College; Averi Everline, Potomac State College; Ashlee ‘Sierra’ Friend, West Virginia Junior College; Makayla Gillaspie, Potomac State College; Bridgette Knapp, Potomac State College; William Potter, Allegany College of Maryland; and Landon Rhodes, Potomac State College.
Students enrolled at Allegany College of Maryland and West Virginia Junior College will participate in the program at Garrett Regional Medical Center, while students from Potomac State College will participate at Potomac Valley Hospital.
For more information about the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurse Program, visit WVUMedicine.org/aspiring-nurse-program.
Photo Cutline: From left to right: Mark Boucot, Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital President and CEO; Diana Niland, Potomac State College faculty; Matthew Hottle, Potomac State College faculty; William Potter, Allegany College of Maryland; Bridgette Knapp, Potomac State College; Averi Everline, Potomac State College; Makayla Gillaspie, Potomac State College; Adam Pratt, West Virginia Junior College director; and Kendra Thayer, Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President of Clinical Services.
