( Bluefield)— When Rocco Massey finds something he believes in, he sticks with it. That’s a major reason the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital CEO directs the same facility in which he was born 46 years ago, and he has since served in a variety of capacities as his career has evolved. It’s also why he relies on Bluefield State College for qualified nurses and radiologic technologists, more than 25 years after he earned the first of his two degrees from BSC.

“I probably know this hospital better than anyone,” the personable Beckley ARH CEO said. “It was built in 1956 (under its original name, ‘ Miners Memorial Hospital’) and I was born here four years later. My grandfather was a coal miner and came to this hospital frequently. I was very close to my grandparents and when they went to the hospital, so did I.”

As a youngster, Massey found the hospital to be a caring community, and he’s cultivated that tradition. “We have been recognized for quality health care. We challenge and expect excellence from each other,” he continued.

Massey’s aunt, a veteran nurse, helped steer him into the field of health care, and specifically encouraged him to consider Bluefield State College. “She was an administrator at Oak Hill Hospital (now Plateau Medical Center),” he recalled. “I had attended another college for a year, but didn’t return because I wasn’t certain what career path I should take. My aunt knew that Bluefield State College was bringing the Radiologic Technology program to Beckley, and she advised me to look into it.”

After spending the summer working in housekeeping at Oak Hill Hospital, Massey grew increasingly interested in the x-ray department, particularly fluoroscope procedures. “Following that summer I entered BSC’s RadTech program, and because clinical agreements hadn’t yet been established with area hospitals, I traveled to Bluefield every day,” he said. “After graduation, I returned to this hospital and worked as a clinical coordinator here, educating students. At the same time, I began to think seriously about going to medical school. My initial experience at Bluefield State had been so positive, I came back and earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science.”

Shortly after applying for admission into medical school, Massey was contacted by Beckley ARH’s administrator. “The assistant administrator had resigned and I was offered his position,” Massey recounted. Three years as an assistant administrator at Beckley ARH were followed by three years as administrator at Summers County ARH. In October, 2002, he accepted the offer to pilot Beckley ARH. “By working in a variety of positions here, I have gained a depth of understanding and perspective. When a need or issue arises, I can relate to those who are affected,” he continued.

Throughout his career, Massey has maintained a connection with his alma mater. “I have a warm spot in my heart for Bluefield State College. I’m a BSC advocate because of what the College did for me and for its vision in establishing the RadTech program,” he said. “At one point, about 90% of the radiologists in this region’s hospitals were graduates of the BSC RadTech program. The College’s nursing and RadTech programs develop outstanding employees.”

March 13, 2006