Southwest Virginia Higher Ed Center

MANDY STILTNER Appalachian College of Pharmacy Class of ‘25 For Mandy Stiltner, the journey to earning a doctorate in pharmacy was a long time coming. At 43, with a husband and two kids, the prospect of going back to school felt daunting. But Mandy, a former LPN from Lebanon, Virginia, had always loved taking care of people, and her desire to advance in the healthcare field never waned. She knew a doctorate in pharmacy was her next step, but traveling long distances for school wasn’t an option with her busy family life. That's when the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center became a crucial part of her journey. “The accessibility and flexibility provided by the Higher Ed Center are essential,” Mandy said. The Center’s partnership with the Appalachian College of Pharmacy allowed her to pursue her Doctor of Pharmacy degree close to home. The convenience of studying locally meant she could balance her education with family commitments, something she didn’t think was possible when she first considered going back to school. Mandy is currently completing her clinical rotations in Smyth County and Kingsport, Tennessee, and will graduate in 2025. Her journey has been a true testament to perseverance, and she is excited to show her children that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. “I want my kids to see that no matter your age, you can always work toward your goals and never give up,” Mandy said.

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Great People, Greater Stories

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