Wilkes Community College Welcomes the Associate Degree Nursing Class of 2027

Wilkes Community College Welcomes the Associate Degree Nursing Class of 2027

Wilkesboro, N.C. – Wilkesboro, N.C. – On Friday, April 11, 2025, Wilkes Community College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program proudly hosted an acceptance meeting for the incoming class of nursing students who will begin studies in the nursing program in August 2025. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as students gathered to officially accept their positions in one of the region’s most respected nursing education programs.

The incoming class was warmly welcomed by faculty, staff, and administrators, who offered heartfelt words of encouragement and support. Their presence underscores the significance of the moment, as these future nurses begin a transformative journey toward careers dedicated to caring for others and making a meaningful impact in their communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Associate Degree Nursing Class of 2027,” said Dr. Emily Orr, Director of Nursing. “These students have demonstrated outstanding commitment and potential, and we look forward to supporting them as they grow into skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.”

The Wilkes Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program has a longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education, preparing graduates to meet the challenges of today’s healthcare environments with knowledge, professionalism, and heart.

For more information about the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Wilkes Community College, please visit www.wilkescc.edu or contact Dr. Emily Orr.

Row One: (left to right) Ms. Valerie Bailey (Simulation Coordinator/Nursing Instructor), Zoey Krider (Ashe County), Deanna Ruggiero (Wilkes County), Kourtney Hayes (Wilkes County), Zoe Greene (Ashe County), Payton Grose (Wilkes County) Hollyn McGlamery (Wilkes County), Hailey Killian (Wilkes County), Taylor Harrold (Wilkes County), Haley Barker (Wilkes County), Amanda Wike (Wilkes County), Lynsey Darnell (Wilkes County), and Mrs. Sonya Jordan (Nursing Instructor).

Row Two: (Left to Right) Brittany Widener (Yadkin County), Stacy Cliff (Ashe County), Brittney Villegas (Wilkes County), Abigail Caudill (Wilkes County), Jayla Fisher (Wilkes County), Amber Joines (Wilkes County), Camryn Edwards (Wilkes County), Ava Hoeh (Wilkes County), Courtney Scott (Wilkes County), Emily Hendrix (Ashe County), Chloe Cox (Wilkes County), Reagan Johnson (Wilkes County), Olivia Rhodes (Wilkes County), Amber Hedrick (Surry County) and Mrs. Stephanie Lunsford (Nursing Instructor).

Row Three: (Left to Right) Dr. Emily Orr (Director of Nursing), Myra Martin (Surry County), Seth Brookshire (Wilkes County), Lauren Mitchell (Wilkes County), Diana Ibarra (Ashe County), Courtney Hash (Alleghany County), Iris Bledsoe (Wilkes County), Emily Dicks (Ashe), Kaitlyn Oliver (Caldwell County), Robbi Busby (Ashe County), and Samantha Church (Wilkes County).

Row Four: (Left to Right) Sarah Earl (Iredell County), Jadyn Cothren (Wilkes County), Mark VanHoy (Yadkin County), Lilly Dancy (Wilkes County), Joshua Royal (Wilkes County), and Grayson Clonch (Wilkes County).