Even before it became a core philosophy of SigEp’s Balanced Man ideal, James Welch, Valparaiso ’73, was fully committed to the concept of Sound Mind, Sound Body. As a holistic nurse for more than 40 years, healthy living is his default.

Holistic nursing differs from traditional nursing in that it takes a patient-centered approach rather than focusing on just treating a disease. It’s a subtle, but extremely meaningful, distinction that Welch has mastered. When he meets with patients, he’s first concerned about learning about their lives instead of immediately discussing vital signs. It’s a technique that makes patients open up to him and share information about potential obstacles to treatment.

Patients are becoming increasingly interested in seeing holistic nurses “because people are tired of having a medical professional just say, ‘This is your lab work and here’s what you need to do,’” Welch stated.

His dedication to patients and to bringing awareness to the field were recognized when Welch was named Holistic Nurse of the Year by the American Holistic Nurses Association in the summer of 2024. “This was a lifetime achievement award recognizing the work I have done with marginalized populations,” Welch stated.

One of his earliest experiences caring for others was as an undergraduate when he oversaw Indiana Zeta’s meal plan during his junior and senior years. It was Welch’s job to plan meals for the 50-man chapter, then work with the facility’s chef to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner while sticking to the chapter’s budget. Welch looks back on that time fondly, stating, “SigEp helped me when I was a young man to solidify my desire to serve.”

After college, his interest in service took him to Ethiopia as a member of the Peace Corps. Inspired by his mother, Welch enrolled in the same nursing school she attended after returning home.

He’s since built a career filled with groundbreaking achievements. Following a stint as head nurse with Philadelphia’s Veterans’ Affairs health system, Welch created the first statewide program in Delaware for HIV testing, counseling and treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS. These programs became the blueprints other states followed when establishing similar programs.

Welch later became the first fulltime medical professional employed by Delaware’s Department of Correction and went on to oversee medical and mental health services for the department.

As Welch reflects on being chosen Holistic Nurse of the Year and looks forward to seeing another nurse be recognized this summer, he is excited that his role as secretary of the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation affords him the opportunity to increase awareness about holistic nursing and opportunities for certification. As part of this role, he works with minority nursing organizations to mentor students who wish to become certified in holistic nursing.

“For me, it’s always been about helping in whatever way I can, just being of service.”