An era has come to an end at Paul D. Camp Community College with the passing of the torch of leadership in the college’s popular and growing nursing program. Dr. Candace Rogers, founder of the program, has stepped down, and Deborah Hartman has taken over as dean of nursing and allied health, effective Aug. 1.

Under the capable leadership of Rogers, the program has gone from an idea to a burgeoning and highly sought-after educational experience. And the growth took place at just the right time, as medical careers are among the fastest growing career fields in the United States.

Rogers oversaw the program as the Nursing Division launched several new programs, doubled its enrollment and constructed a new building to house classes. Her guidance and leadership have made PDCCC’s nursing program a vital part of an important Western Tidewater educational institution. Her great commitment to growing a program that gives area residents a place to learn high-demand skills in the medical field will be greatly missed.

But she leaves the program in hands that would seem to be eminently capable and qualified for the work of nurturing and further expanding it.

Hartman comes to the college from Blue Ridge Community College, where she was associate professor of nursing, nurse educator and allied health care coordinator. She brings a wealth of experience to the position from the medical sector.

Hartman has had an extensive career in health care and academics, having worked as a Registered Nurse at Augusta Health Care in Fishersville; Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington; Rowan Memorial Hospital in Salisbury, N.C.; and Durham Regional Hospital in Durham, N.C.

She worked as an adjunct at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and Rowan Cabarrus Community College. Hartman was RN case manager of Rockbridge Area Hospice and Homehealth and Americare Plus, both in Lexington. She holds a trove of certifications and licensures and will be a tremendous asset to both faculty and students at Paul D. Camp.

We wish Rogers the best in her next professional endeavor and heartily welcome Hartman to Western Tidewater.