Director of Student Health Chelsea Collins selected as Generation Next: 40 Under 40 finalist

Fairmont State University’s Director of Student Health Chelsea Collins, APRN-FNP-C, was chosen as a recipient of The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 under 40 award. Those selected are recognized as outstanding West Virginia professionals who have positively impacted their industries, fields, and communities. Collins was nominated for her notable contributions to student health at Fairmont State, and community efforts to promote wellness and mental health. Collins and the other finalists were honored at the Generation Next: 40 Under 40 award ceremony on June 19 at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg, W.VA.

“To be nominated as a leader among my peers in the state of West Virginia, a place so dear to my heart, is a true honor. The spirit of ‘almost heaven’ flows through my veins, thanks to my upbringing in this beautiful state,” said Collins. “It is my privilege to contribute to the well-being and growth of the students at Fairmont State University, who I hope will emerge as local leaders themselves.”

Collins is a family nurse practitioner with more than eight years of experience and possesses specialized training in women's health, urgent care, and student health services.

 “I nominated Chelsea Collins for the 40 Under 40 award based on her remarkable work in support of student and community health,” said President Mike Davis. “More than half of all college students face some sort of mental or physical health issue. Exemplary student health services are needed now more than ever. Chelsea’s extensive healthcare background and empathy for the struggles students face are essential to making Fairmont State such a great place to learn. She is a model of what we look for in an employee, colleague and community member.”

Some of Collins’ notable achievements include renovating and improving Fairmont State’s student health center; organizing “Stomp out the Stigma,” a community event that brings awareness to suicide prevention; helping launch the Falcon Mental Health Awareness Program which combats mental health crises amongst the student population at Fairmont State; and organizing a recurring campus wellness fair that promotes and educates the campus community on health and wellness.

“Celebrating Chelsea as a recipient of the 40 Under 40 award is not just an acknowledgment of individual achievement but a testament to the dedication and talent within our entire Student Success team at Fairmont State University,” said Interim Vice President of Student Success Alicia Kalka. “Her passion, innovation, and commitment exemplify the spirit of excellence we cultivate here. We are immensely proud of Chelsea, and I am inspired by her continued impact within our university and the broader West Virginia healthcare community."

Collins attributes her successes to lessons taught by her parents and support and encouragement from her Fairmont State colleagues.

“I am immensely thankful to my dedicated parents, who taught me the importance of always striving for my best in every aspect of life,” said Collins. “I am grateful for my opportunity and for my awesome colleagues at Fairmont State University and to my friends who show unwavering support and encouragement throughout my career.”

The work Collins has done to better student health exhibits Fairmont State’s core value of being a great place to learn. To succeed in the classroom students’ physical and mental health needs need to be addressed in a safe and welcoming environment, like the one Collins has created. She has strengthened Student Health Services in a remarkable way and is a valuable asset to the community of Fairmont and the Fairmont State students she serves.