Dr. Shenell Wood
Dr. Shenell Wood knew she wanted to be a nurse when she was eight years old. Her mother, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), helped shape that dream and remains one of her greatest inspirations.
After graduating from Victoria ISD’s Memorial High School, Wood set her sights on Victoria College. It was local, affordable and the logical first step toward her career in healthcare. She spent two years completing her basics before entering VC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, where she graduated in 2014.
Wood’s time in the top-ranked program proved transformative. Learning about the history and theory of nursing sparked a new passion — teaching. She never forgot the instructors who made such an impact on her journey, from Nadine Van Beveren to Kristi Pfeil, and Dr. Jo Anne Settles.
“Even when I was here as a student, I knew I wanted to come back and work at VC one day,” said Wood. “I liked the more personable approach of a community college. You’re more than just a number here. You really get to know your instructors, and you get to make a difference in your own community.”
Wood went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Tech University before earning her doctorate in nursing science at The University of Texas at Austin.
Through long nights and taxing hospital shifts, Wood never lost sight of her goal of becoming an educator. After a semester as an adjunct professor at Texas Lutheran University, she was given the chance to return home thanks to a faculty opening at Victoria College.
Call it fate or a full-circle moment – but teaching Level 1 nursing students beside her former instructors feels a lot like coming home.
“I remember the struggle,” Wood said. “I’ve been there myself. I think this is the level where I can really make an impact and help others persevere and reach their ultimate goal of helping people.”
VC wants to hear from former and current Pirates. Visit VictoriaCollege.edu/ShareYourStory to submit a success story in honor of VC’s 100th anniversary.