West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) School of Nursing has been selected as a recipient of the Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) Innovation in Employer Collaboration Award for 2025.

Presented annually by the CECU, the Career Education Review awards recognize institutions that demonstrate excellence in education, innovation and partnerships. The Innovation in Employer Collaboration category honors schools that actively engage with industry partners to enhance student learning, strengthen workforce pipelines and support economic development in their communities.

WVJC School of Nursing was one of only three institutions nationwide to receive this recognition for 2025. A key factor in its selection was the college’s commitment to delivering high-quality nursing education to rural and underserved communities through its online and hybrid programs.

Through strategic partnerships with regional healthcare providers, WVJC nursing students benefit from a flexible academic structure that combines virtual coursework with hands-on training. Students complete lab and clinical experiences at medical facilities within their own communities, allowing them to build relationships and gain practical experience in the environments where many will begin their careers.

West Virginia Junior College CEO Chad Callen said, “This recognition reflects the power of innovation and collaboration in higher education. At WVJC, we are committed to building strong partnerships with healthcare providers that not only prepare our students for successful careers but also directly address workforce needs in rural and underserved communities. We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing nursing education and helping to strengthen the healthcare system in the communities we serve.”

For more information on WVJC’s programs, visit wvjc.edu for additional details.