For Dr. Teresa Vance of Meadowview, Virginia, education was the pathway to creating a better future for herself and her daughter. As a single mom and the first in her family to attend college, she knew that pursuing higher education would not be easy, but it was the only way to reach her goals.
After earning her associate degree in nursing at Virginia Highlands Community College, Teresa continued her education, receiving a bachelor’s in nursing via satellite from Old Dominion University. After the loss of her grandparents, she wanted to increase her knowledge in healthcare and become a provider. That’s when the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center made all the difference.
“If the Higher Ed Center was not located in Abingdon and close to where I lived, I would not have been able to continue my education,” Teresa shared. “I’ve always worked full-time and went to school full-time, so driving to Johnson City or farther just wasn’t an option for me.”
Through Old Dominion University’s program hosted at the Center, Teresa earned her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree. Later, she returned to the Center once again, completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through Old Dominion University.
The support she received at the Center extended beyond convenience. “I was the first person in my family who went to college. If the Higher Ed Center wasn’t there—and the resources that were there—I couldn’t have done it,” Teresa said. “And again, I was a single mom, so that made a huge difference.” Since that time, her sister has also received a degree through the Higher Education Center, paving a pathway for her family to follow.
Today, Teresa feels very fortunate to serve her community as a nurse practitioner at Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems’ Meadowview Clinic, where she provides compassionate care for patients of all ages. She is board certified in advanced diabetes management and passionate about helping patients improve their health. She also teaches the next generation of nurse practitioners as a professor at Chamberlain University.
For others who wonder if higher education is possible, Teresa offers words of encouragement: “Yes, you can. Follow your dreams. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The Higher Education Center has employees in place who will help you and show you the way to go. It is hard work, but it can be accomplished. I must also add, thanks to my family for your support, I couldn’t have done it without you!”
