Beckley, W.Va. (WVDN) – West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) is proud to announce that Elijah Stewart, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, has been selected to participate in the 2026 Class of the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program (RCCLP). This marks the first time a WVU Tech student has been chosen for this national leadership initiative.
Now entering its 20th year, the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program is a collaborative effort between the American Red Cross, the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), and the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The program is designed to cultivate a passionate and diverse generation of student volunteer leaders who will serve as ambassadors for the Red Cross on college campuses across the country.
Through this competitive program, student leaders receive first-hand coaching, mentoring, and professional leadership training from senior leaders within the American Red Cross. Participants also gain the skills and resources needed to promote community engagement and service through blood donation initiatives and other humanitarian efforts.
This year’s leadership training will take place in June in Washington, D.C. Following the training, participants will serve as Red Cross ambassadors on their campuses, recruiting blood donors, supporting blood drives, and encouraging greater student involvement in humanitarian service efforts.
More than 159 college campuses nationwide now have Red Cross ambassadors through the program, expanding the reach of lifesaving blood donation efforts and volunteer engagement nationwide.
“I am immensely proud of Elijah for being the first student in WVU Tech history to be selected for this prestigious national program,” said WVU Tech President T. Ramon Stuart. “His dedication as a first-year nursing student and his leadership within the Student Nurses Association make him the ideal ambassador to represent our university in Washington, D.C.”
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this historic achievement by our freshman nursing student, Elijah Stewart,” said Hillary Parcell, WVU School of Nursing Beckley Division Program Chairperson. “Being named the first recipient from WVU Tech for the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program is a testament to Elijah’s dedication, hard work, and passion for helping others. We believe that leaders like Elijah will pave the way for future generations of healthcare professionals, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have in Southern West Virginia and beyond!”
In addition to being a first-year nursing student at Tech, Stewart is actively engaged in campus leadership and community service. He serves as the Freshman Class Representative and Community Engagement lead for the Student Nurses Association (SNA) and represents SNA within the WVU Tech Student Government Association.
Beyond campus involvement, he is also active in the local community through 4-H and the Raleigh County Horseman’s Association.
Stewart’s selection for the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program reflects a dedication to healthcare, community engagement, and volunteerism that aligns closely with the mission of the American Red Cross and the nursing profession.
