NORFOLK, Va. â Averett University is helping students find their calling within an in-demand industry with a new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree program in Hampton Roads. The first cohort of students started May 3 at the new Averett School of Nursing ABSN Learning Center in Norfolk, Va.
Averettâs accredited ABSN program creates a new professional path for students with non-nursing bachelorâs degrees â or with at least 60 non-nursing college credits â to help them shift their career and become a nurse sooner. The hybrid format combines online curriculum with hands-on application in an interactive, state-of-the-art learning lab, and can be completed in as few as 16 months. Students also will apply their skills through clinical rotations at Bon Secours, the Universityâs health care partner in Norfolk.
GRETNA, Va. â After approximately two months of serving as a central vaccine hub for Pittsylvania County, the Gretna Community Vaccination Clinic will be shut down after its last clinic May 20.
A decline in demand for the vaccine combined with more widespread access across our county led to the decision to close the clinic.  We were very pleased with the role the Gretna Community Vaccination Clinic played in providing so many of our residents the opportunity to get vaccinated, said Pittsylvania County Administrator David Smitherman. We think that the clinic served its purpose in making vaccinations, from scheduling the appointment to actually getting the shot, convenient for people in Pittsylvania County.  Â
DANVILLE, Va. â Nearly 200 students graduated from Averett University on Saturday morning in its graduation held on the Daly field at the Frank R. Campbell stadium at the universityâs E. Stuart James Grant North Campus.
This graduation was the first outdoor graduation held in 20 years, since the completion of the Grant Center and the first held at the Frank R. Campbell stadium since its completion in 2016.
Weather conditions were windy but sunny as students marched down the 50 yard line in the procession, waiting to be able to have degrees in-hand and to move their tassels. Each student received three tickets for guests to see them graduate. Seats were set up around the field to account for social distancing. A total of 750 people were present at the commencement ceremony, which includes graduates, guests, faculty and staff.Â
CHATHAM, Va. â On May 5, Virginiaâs First Lady Pamela Northam and Secretary of Education Atif Qarni visited schools in both Danville and Pittsylvania County to thank their teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week observed from May 3 through May 7.Â
Northam made her first stop at Schoolfield Elementary in Danville, where she toured the school and spoke to teachers. She then went to Danville Community College, where she visited the Early Childhood Education program offered at the school. She also learned about the partnership between DCC and Averett University to create a path for students to earn their associateâs degree at the school, then move on to Averett for a bachelorâs degree.