WVU School of Public Health marks milestone with first graduates from Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s programs
West Virginia University School of Public Health celebrated a historic milestone during May Commencement on Friday, May 15, 2026, as the first graduates of the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM) programs crossed the stage. The innovative pathways allow highly motivated students to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in an accelerated format.
Graduates earning their Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master of Health Administration degrees included McKenzie Akers, Shaelee Nelson, Rieley Snyder, Olivia “Paige” Stewart and Hannah Warden. Payton Shreve also graduated from the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master of Public Health program.
“It was a unique opportunity getting to try new things that no one before me has been able to do,” Payton Shreve, first graduate of the Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master of Public Health program, said. “Getting a master's degree was already something I was considering and the accelerated program fit nicely in my plan of study.”
The School of Public Health’s ABM programs provide eligible students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies, creating a seamless pathway to advanced degrees while saving time and easing the added financial burden of a graduate degree. Current accelerated pathways include programs leading to the Master of Health Administration and Master of Public Health degrees, as well as collaborative programs with the WVU School of Medicine.
“The accelerated pathways require a shorter timeline for completion, which is both a cost and time savings for students,” Sarah Woodrum, dean of WVU School of Public Health, said. “In addition, the programs give students the flexibility to tailor their studies to align with their career interests, while ultimately addressing critical workforce demands.”
Members of the inaugural cohort are already beginning careers and fellowships with leading healthcare organizations, including Allegheny Health Network, WVU Medicine and Vandalia Health.
Explore WVU School of Public Health degree offerings by visiting publichealth.wvu.edu.
Photo caption: L to R: Shaelee Nelson, Payton Shreve, Rieley Snyder, Olivia “Paige” Stewart, McKenzie Akers, Hannah Warden, School of Public Health Dean Sarah Woodrum.