New Nursing Director

Southern WV Community & Technical College Announces New Director of Nursing

Southern WV Community & Technical College is thrilled to announce Melissa Kirk as the newly appointed Director of Nursing.

Bringing over three decades of dedication and experience in nursing and education, Kirk embarks on this new role with a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for healthcare and teaching.

Kirk’s journey in nursing began in 1990 when she graduated from Southern with an associate degree in nursing, a step she describes as “the beginning of a lifelong commitment to healthcare and education.”

Her thirst for knowledge and growth led her to Marshall University where she attained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1999, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 2004. These accomplishments not only broadened her professional skills but also ignited her enthusiasm for teaching and leadership within the nursing sector.

Her career commenced at Logan General Hospital, where she progressed from a staff nurse to a nurse manager, and ultimately a house supervisor. These positions afforded Kirk invaluable insights into patient care, team leadership, and hospital administration. In 2002, she transitioned to Southern as an adjunct nursing instructor, elevating to a full-time role by 2003.

“Teaching at Southern has been immensely fulfilling,” commented Kirk, who has a particular zeal for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment. Over her tenure, Kirk has guided thousands of new graduate RNs, a contribution she considers her “greatest work accomplishment.”

In 2021, Kirk expanded her expertise by completing a post-graduate certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain University, allowing her to venture into addiction medicine, and merging her clinical expertise with her commitment to addiction treatment.

A lifelong resident of Gilbert, West Virginia, Kirk, alongside her husband Daniel Hauser, takes pride in her West Virginian roots. Their family extends across West Virginia and North Carolina. Her daughters, Brittani and Whittani, have both pursued education, becoming an RN/instructor and an elementary school teacher, respectively, each achieving master’s degrees this year.

Kirk eagerly anticipates the arrival of her first grandchild. Reflecting on her journey, Kirk remarked, “Southern has been foundational in my life since 1990. The unparalleled mentoring, the enduring friendships, and collective experiences with colleagues and students have been profoundly fulfilling.”

Her story echoes the transformative power of education, unwavering commitment, and the significant influence of nurturing and mentoring within the nursing profession.