This Fall, a Halifax family is taking the meaning of “family education” to a whole new level.
Shellyann Coleman and her two sons, Carl and Nicholo, are all enrolled in nursing-related studies at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC). Adding to their shared educational journey, all three were awarded scholarships from the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation (SVHEF), helping ease the financial strain of returning to school.
Coleman is a mother of four children. Along with Carl and Nicholo, she has Caleb, a Halifax County High School (HCHS) junior, and Zoey, and HCHS freshman. Caleb and Zoey already have their sights set on careers in the medical field.
Carl graduated from HCHS in 2021 and initially headed to Virginia Commonwealth University (VC). After two years, he was wait-listed for admission to the VCU Nursing Program. Nicholo graduated from HCHS in May 2024 and attended Radford University for two years. This summer, both sons returned to their nest to continue their education.
Their mother, who currently works as a Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LPN) and is excited for the three of them to continue their educational journeys under one roof.
“I love the SVHEC. Everything is in one place, and everyone knows each other. It’s like a family to me.,” said Coleman.
Coleman began taking classes in 2019 and was hired as a work study student for Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) on the SVHEC campus. Today she must work full-time while attending school part-time. Her goal is to finish nursing school in May 2027 and graduate in May 2028 as a Registered Nurse. Ultimately, her dream in to become a Nurse Practitioner specializing in helping patients who struggle with mental health issues.
Currently, she is taking an Information Technology (IT) course alongside her son Nicholo.
“It’s wonderful having a class together. He can help me when I struggle. These kids today have minds that are fresh and fast,” she said.
The SVHEC partners with Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) and Danville Community College (DCC). Both colleges offer a variety of educational opportunities in the medical field. Students can earn an Associate’s Degree to become a registered nurse. Also, there are stackable credential opportunities: Practical Nursing (PN), Phlebotomy, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) which leads to becoming a Paramedic.
For Nicholo, returning home has provided an opportunity to balance school, work, and his career goals. He is a full-time student who works part-time on second shift at Sheetz. This allows him to attend class and earn a paycheck.
Carl, is also making the most of his second chance to pursue nursing. After being wait-listed at VCU, he said he sometimes wishes he had attended a local community college from the beginning rather than accumulating significant college debt.
Carl shared, “a semester at VCU cost forty-eight ($48,000) thousand dollars compared to $2,600 at SVCC.”
In the coming week Carl will begin his clinicals at Twin Lakes Rehabilitation and Nursing in South Hill. He is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his nursing scrubs. Carl’s goal is to become a Registered Nurse working in a hospital emergency room.
Both Carl and Nicholo admitted that returning home was not originally part of their plans. They were both full-time university students while working part-time jobs. Balancing work and school made it difficult to stay focused. They admitted it was a hard choice to leave a four-year university and enroll at community college, but a difficult decision they are proud to have made.
“I am going to keep my motivation and determination, I want to stay on track with my brother and my mom,” said Nicholo.
Coleman said she always wanted her sons to have the opportunity to experience life beyond Halifax County.
“I wanted them to go to college, see the world, and grow their wings,” said Coleman adding it was time for them to come home and focus on their education and establish career paths.
When someone has to visit a hospital, it is rarely anyone’s favorite experience. Yet once inside, it is easy to see how medical professionals on every shift work together as a dynamic team. Coleman already has a vision of the roles her two sons will play when they begin their nursing careers.
“When they report for duty, Carl is going to bring the calmness and Nicholo will bring the excitement,” she said.
For more information on educational opportunities, in addition to healthcare, at SVHEC visit their website www.svhec.org or call 434-572-5556. To learn more about the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation, scholarship opportunities, establish a scholarship, or make a donation, visit www.svhef.org. For additional scholarship information contact Liza Fulton by phone 434 572-5442 or email lizafulton@svhef.org.