BSIHS' first graduate finds purpose in helping fellow veterans

James Clemente enlisted in the United States Army in 1985 and served through 2007. Upon retirement, he questioned where his path would lead. He only knew that he wanted to help people.

Clemente, 55, first thought he might become an air marshal. However, his wife, Ann, asked him to obtain a position that would not require carrying a firearm again. He found instead a sense of purpose in medicine and obtained his associate's degree in nursing from Ohio University. What he really wanted to do was work with veterans though, and a new program in OHIO’s College of Health Sciences and Professions helped make that happen.

The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Healthcare Studies was in its infancy when Clemente was roaming the halls of Grover Center. He was able to choose from a variety of courses that helped prepare him for a career serving Veterans and became the first official graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Healthcare Studies program.

“It helped me with a focus,” Clemente said of the program. “If you’re a health care provider who needs additional education to help you advance, this is the program you want.”

Clemente now serves as a Veterans service officer in Parkersburg, West Virginia. On a daily basis, he helps Veterans determine if an injury connected to their service is eligible for disability.

“I love what I do. It’s a perfect fit as I get to deal with Veterans every day. It’s awesome,” he said. “Helping the Veteran community and giving back to them is a rewarding experience.”