WVU Potomac State College Interim Campus President Paul Kreider presented Julee Ann Sullivan, a Bachelor of Science in nursing major from Keyser, with the Catamounts Climb Higher award at West Virginia University Potomac State College for October 2024.
Julee Ann Sullivan, a Bachelor of Science in nursing major from Keyser, was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher award at West Virginia University Potomac State College. In addition to handling the rigorous demands of being a full-time nursing student, Sullivan also works as a full-time overnight med-tech at a group home for the disabled.
T hough Sullivan has always been interested in the nursing profession, the road that led her to Potomac State to earn a nursing degree has not been an easy one. Of her six children, three were lost to heart disease when they were very young, as well as an adult daughter who passed away from a brain clot. A son, currently in his 40s, received a pediatric heart transplant at the age of three. In addition to personal loss, Sullivan has also dealt with health issues of her own.
“I have spent way too much time on the patient side of the medical profession. I always wanted to be a nurse, but it never seemed to be reachable. Serving in the Navy, moving every two years as a military wife, being a mom, dealing with doctors and medical issues, and putting my surviving children through college, all while doing most of this as a single mom, could be challenging at times. There was never enough time or money,” Sullivan said.
Since her two surviving children graduated from college and are on their own, Sullivan stated that the time finally felt right for her to pursue a college degree, which she did by earning a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree from Potomac State College in 2021.
“I've never been one to shy away from a challenge. My mantra – you only fail when you stop trying – keeps me going, so I am now back in college working on my second degree, and I'm loving it! Potomac State is a perfect choice. It's big enough to complete a four-year nursing degree and is part of WVU, but it is also small enough to make a connection with the professors,” Sullivan added.
Climb Higher recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, recipients must be in good academic standing.
Sullivan’s goal is to work with the disadvantaged in rural areas, or in trauma care, and then move on to working with Doctors without Borders.
“I occasionally get questioning looks from younger students who don’t understand why I’m pursuing a nursing degree at my age, so I just tell them, I'm living my dream! I've had a career with the military. I’ve worked in management with a food and retail focus, and I raised wonderful children. I still found time to support my personal causes of organ transplants and rescuing animals,” Sullivan said. “I've lived a full life, but I'm not done. I have so much more to learn and even more to give. And Potomac State College is the perfect place to help me achieve my dreams!”