15/04/2026
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Announces Partnership with Ralph R. Willis School of Practical Nursing to Expand Nursing Pathways
Logan, WV - Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College (Southern) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Ralph R. Willis School of Practical Nursing, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration creates a streamlined educational pathway for practical nursing graduates to advance their careers by enrolling in Southern’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality nursing education and addressing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals across Southern West Virginia.
“This partnership represents an important step in strengthening our regional healthcare workforce,” said Melissa Kirk, APRN, FNP-C, Director of Nursing at Southern. “By creating a seamless transition from practical nursing to registered nursing education, we are providing students with greater opportunities for career advancement while helping meet the healthcare needs of our communities.”
Under the terms of the agreement, graduates of the Ralph R. Willis School of Practical Nursing who obtain licensure as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) will be eligible to apply for admission into Southern’s LPN-to-RN pathway. Applicants must meet all established admission, academic, and clinical requirements for the ADN Program.
As part of the partnership, Southern will recognize pre-entrance exam scores from the Ralph R. Willis program, provide comprehensive academic advising and student support services, and maintain the highest standards of accreditation and program quality. In turn, the Ralph R. Willis School of Practical Nursing will ensure students are informed of admission requirements and prepared for successful progression into RN-level education.
The partnership also encourages ongoing collaboration between the two institutions, including curriculum alignment and coordinated efforts to promote nursing education opportunities throughout the region.
The MOU will remain in effect for five years, with both institutions committed to continuous evaluation and improvement to best serve students and the healthcare community.
For more information about Southern’s nursing programs, visit Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s website or contact the Department of Nursing at [email protected].
# # #
Pictured: Representatives from Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College and Logan County Schools join to announce a new partnership. From left to right: Macel Cyfers Adams, Pricipal of the Ralph R. Willis Vocational School; Eric Ellis, Chief Student Support Officer; Sonya White, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Corley Dennison, Interim President of Southern; Dr. Lisa Haddox-Heston, Dean of Allied Health at Southern; Melissa Kirk, Director of Nursing at Southern; and Kristi Dixon, Interim Chief Academic Officer at Southern.
