William Coltharp

A long-time passion for improving people’s health led William Coltharp to enroll in the Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at the University of Houston-Victoria.

The Missouri City native has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and originally planned to study physical therapy. But when an internship with The Downtown Club in Houston came about, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I’ve always been really into health and fitness,” he said. “It seemed like a good place to start.”

That position led to a job with the organization’s sister facility, The Westlake Club, where he worked as a manager and personal trainer. After some time in the industry and research into the medical field, Coltharp said he decided his next step in life was nursing school.

Flexibility was one thing that attracted Coltharp to the nursing field.

He said he likes knowing he can begin his career working as much as he wants in areas such as the emergency room, critical care unit or even as a life-flight nurse. Later, if he has a family, he can cut back on nights and weekends if he wants, and advance into management.

“In nursing, your career can mold with your life,” he said.

Coltharp selected UHV because it offered students who have a bachelor’s degree and certain prerequisites the chance to enroll in an intense program.

“A one-year program to a new, extremely versatile career was much more intriguing to me than a three- to four-year program in physical therapy school,” Coltharp said.

And it appears the decision was a good fit. Since he enrolled, Coltharp has made the dean’s list, received multiple scholarships and was invited to join the Nursing Honor Society. He also recently began an externship at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s intensive care unit.

In his spare time he cares for his yellow lab puppy, Major. He also still works as a personal trainer at the the Westlake Club, a position he said he doesn’t plan to give up any time soon.

“I like the one-on-one action and having a positive influence on people’s lives,” he said.

Coltharp’s December graduation might be just on the horizon but his ambitions don’t end there. He said he plans to continue his education and become a nurse anesthetist.

But that’s all in the future. For now, he said he hopes to remain in Houston and begin a career as a critical care nurse.

“It’s just something I love doing,” he said.

The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact UHV Communications Manager Paula Cobler or call 361-570-4350.