West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) is delighted to announce that Dr. Aaron Settle has been selected as our “Educator of the Year!” This prestigious award honors a team member who demonstrates a significant commitment to student success and makes a meaningful impact on their academic journey. Dr. Settle’s dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching have made a lasting impression on his students and the healthcare community.
Since joining the WVJC family in September 2015, Dr. Settle has exemplified excellence in education. His approachable demeanor and relatable humor make complex subjects accessible, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. Students consistently commend Dr. Settle for his clarity in teaching and unwavering dedication to their academic success. His contributions have significantly influenced our institution’s success and serve as a model of the professionalism and commitment we deeply value.
A Legacy of Dedication
Dr. Settle, known to his students as “Mr. Settle,” is an adjunct instructor at WVJC teaching medical courses. He initially joined WVJC to stay engaged with the medical community while mentoring aspiring healthcare professionals. Over time, his role evolved into a profound mission—helping students transform from nervous beginners into confident, knowledgeable graduates.
Dr. Settle’s Journey in Education
Dr. Settle’s career in education began in middle school science classrooms in Kanawha County before transitioning into higher education. He has held teaching positions at the University of Charleston, Concord University, and West Virginia State University. Throughout his career, Dr. Settle has taught various courses, including Anatomy, Physiology, Orthopedic Assessment, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Medical Terminology, and Pharmacology. He is a nationally certified athletic trainer, an Emergency Medical Technician, and a Clinical Medical Assistant. His extensive knowledge and dedication to student growth make him a valuable asset to the education and medical communities.
At WV State University, he served as Chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance, was promoted to Full Professor, and founded both the Undergraduate and Graduate Exercise Science Programs. Additionally, he oversees academic program assessment for accreditation.
A Man of Many Talents
Dr. Settle is also nationally certified as an athletic trainer, an Emergency Medical Technician, and a Clinical Medical Assistant. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Settle has an intriguing array of personal achievements and hobbies. Here are a few fun facts about our Educator of the Year:
- He enjoys weightlifting, jogging, and designing his new home.
- From 1991 to 2003, he held the Teenage Division 198lb weight class WV Powerlifting Record for the Bench Press.
- He loves bowling and bowled a perfect 300-game in 1997.
- He once aspired to join the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour but never met the qualification criteria.
- His dream job? Stand-up comedian—but only if he could make a living doing it!
- He is keenly interested in personal finance and investing, dedicating much of his spare time to researching investment strategies.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Aaron Settle on this well-deserved honor! His commitment to excellence inspires us to strive for success in our respective roles. Let’s celebrate his achievements and look forward to the continued impact he will make in students’ lives and beyond.
Join the WVJC Community!
Want to make a difference like Dr. Aaron Settle? West Virginia Junior College can help! Start your journey of having a healthcare career with one of WVJC’s nursing or allied health programs. WVJC offers training programs in nursing, practical nursing, dental assisting, medical assisting, medical office administration, medical coding, healthcare administration, and becoming a pharmacy technician. Get your degree in two years or less and make a difference sooner.
If any of those programs are of interest to you, speak to one of our admissions team members by requesting information.