Southwest Virginia Higher Ed Center

ANDREA NEWTON King University Class of ‘22

Andrea Newton has always called Southwest Virginia home – and now, she’s devoted her career to serving the community that raised her.

Although she began her professional life as a legal assistant, Andrea’s true calling revealed itself during one of the most difficult times in her life. When both of her grandparents were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she stepped back from her legal career to help care for them. That experience changed everything. “I thought, ‘This is really rewarding,’” she said. “I realized how much I loved helping people in such a direct, personal way.” Motivated by that sense of purpose, Andrea returned to school and earned her nursing degree from Virginia Highlands Community College. After graduation, she was placed in a cardiac care unit with Ballad Health, a role that immediately resonated with her. “The heart is the basis for everything,” she said. “To be able to provide exceptional care in that area was something I felt deeply passionate about.” Over the next few years, Andrea became known for her ability to connect with patients and deliver outstanding care. Encouraged by her friends, family, and colleagues, she pursued her bachelor’s degree in nursing at King University, all while continuing to work full-time. Juggling school, work, and family life wasn’t easy, especially with three children at home. But Andrea wasn’t done growing. Inspired by the support of her children and a desire to deepen her clinical knowledge, she set her sights on becoming a family nurse practitioner.

“At a certain point in life, especially after having children, you start to think maybe it’s too late to go back to school,” she reflected. “I’m proud that I didn’t let fear stop me from reaching my dream.” Andrea enrolled in the family nurse practitioner program through King University at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The hybrid format combining online and in-person coursework allowed her to balance her responsibilities while advancing her education. “It wasn’t easy,” she said, “but it was absolutely worth it.” After completing her family nurse practitioner program in 2022, Andrea transitioned to internal medicine in 2023. She now treats a wide range of conditions and enjoys the lasting relationships she builds with patients. Andrea is passionate about giving back to the community. Every year, she volunteers at the Damascus Trail Days event — a celebration held in the town she called home for 20 years. For Andrea, it’s more than just an event; it’s a chance to reconnect with and serve the friends and neighbors who helped raise her. “Washington County is such a close-knit community, and I love that I get to give back,” she said. “That’s what I love about internal medicine — you’re not just treating patients; you’re caring for friends. Many of them feel like family to me.”

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Great People, Greater Stories

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