Deborah Nolder graduated from the first-ever nursing class at Maysville Community and Technical College and went on to become a faculty member.
A plaque in the new Deborah Nolder Health Sciences Division Suite honors the 1974 Maysville Community and Technical College nursing graduate and former faculty member Debbie Nolder. A ceremony was held to unveil the plaque and to honor Nolder for her accomplishments in nursing and her commitment to the school.
According to an article on Maysville Community and Technical College’s website, President Dr. Laura McCullogh spoke highly of Nolder at the ceremony, saying, “As we stand within these walls, we are reminded of the profound impact that Debbie has had on our lives and our community. Her commitment to the nursing profession and the education of future nurses has left a lasting mark, and it is only fitting that we come together to dedicate the Maysville campus’ health sciences faculty suite in her honor. The suite will stand as a testament to Debbie’s enduring influence and serve as a place of inspiration and reflection for all who enter its doors. It will be a constant reminder of the values and principles that she embodies and a beacon of hope for those who follow in her footsteps.”
Nolder has a long history with Maysville Community and Technical College. After she graduated as part of the first class of nursing students, she started her career as a nurse and became a nursing faculty member at Maysville Community and Technical College in 1998. She went on to become division chair of the department and earned a bachelor degree as well as a master’s degree.
During the ceremony, it was revealed that an initiative is being set up in Nolder’s name and in honor of the class of 1974 which will pay for fees for the licensure exam of the class of 2024’s nursing students, a set of future nurses who will follow in the footsteps of the graduating class from 50 years prior.
Nolder has served as an inspiration for many. One person who was inspired by Nolder is Ginger Clarke, who serves as both the Associate Dean of Health Science and Nursing program administrator. She spoke highly of Nolder at the ceremony, as well, saying, “A lot of the nurses we have in this community were led to nursing by Debbie Nolder. I think that is such a huge testament to her love for nursing, her love of this community, and her love of this college. I am so honored to know her.”
Nolder herself gave a few words at the ceremony, saying, “I totally give credit to Maysville Community and Technical College for changing my life for the better. If it hadn’t been for MCTC, I would not be where I am now. Today, the college honored me for my dedication to the college, but MCTC deserves all the honor and praise for changing not just me, but our entire community for the better.”
For more information about Maysville Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.