Melzy Walls
Paramedic & Associate Degree Nursing
Dr. Melzy Walls, DNP AAS RN always dreamed of being a storm chaser, but she quickly realized it was the paramedics who were first on the scene after the storm, providing help and saving lives.
She learned that µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø had one of the highest national exam pass rates and good job placement, which led to enroll in the College’s paramedic program.
A few years later, when µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø started a transition program for paramedics to become nurses, Walls returned to school.
“I was ready to advance my career, and I am proud to say I was one of the first paramedics to complete the program,” she said.
One of her most valuable experiences at µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø was a meeting with her mentor.
“They told me that I would return someday to teach nursing here,” Walls said.
That prediction eventually came true and motivated her to continue her education after graduating from µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø, ultimately earning her doctorate in nursing. But she learned early into her nursing studies that her major was challenging. She still remembers going through a tough time during her skills lab at µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø.
“I struggled, and the faculty would sit with me and work with me repeatedly until I could master whatever I was working on,” she said. “That dedication made me feel valued.”
Today, Walls is a faculty member and program advisor for the Nursing Department at the College’s Terry Campus in Dover.
“µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø was instrumental in preparing me for many life lessons,” she said, “from personal growth as a student who made mistakes to providing me with amazing mentors who helped me become the nursing faculty member I am today.”
Walls said that in the future, she would like to move into a leadership role at the College.
“This college has been a vital part of my life, and I am proud to serve the students,” she said. “I look forward to seeing where my future takes me!”