If you walk into the Financial Aid office at VCOM-Carolinas, chances are you’ll be greeted by the steady warmth of Jan Belton, MBA, a member of the campus community since its earliest days. As director for financial aid, Jan has guided generations of VCOM students through one of the most stressful parts of their medical journey—how to afford it—with a blend of clarity, kindness, and unwavering belief in who they’re becoming.
“The most rewarding part of working with VCOM students is how bright and energetic they are—their intellect, courtesy and hospitality. And the thought of the healing they will bring to the world,” she reflects. “I enjoy helping students make their dreams come true and helping them live them (in some small way) by providing helpful advice, information, scholarships, or loan processing.”
To Jan, every day at VCOM is a chance to support the mission by helping a future physician step into a life of healing.
Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your students or colleagues?
I felt proud to be part of the formation of VCOM-Carolinas when we hosted our very first Accepted Students Day in April of 2011 on the Wofford campus. The main VCOM building wasn't ready for occupancy yet and students and their families were making their decision to attend based on what they saw, who they met, and what they learned. It was a beautiful day—perfect for helping new students and families fall in love with the lovely South Carolina spring. We were organized and excited and glad to have everyone visit!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I'm an avid walker and a sometimes gardener. I love taking care of plants. I am a cat-lover and like having one or maybe two of them in my life.
In a few words, how would you describe the VCOM family?
Going places and doing things; bringing healing to the world.
What’s one piece of self-care advice you’d give to students entering medicine?
Treat medical school like a marathon and keep your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects well nourished. Take time every day for reflection and get plenty of sleep to rest and recharge.
In every season of VCOM-Carolinas’ growth, Jan has been a constant—guiding students with expertise and compassion as they take their first steps into medicine. Her work reminds us that behind every physician’s story stands someone who believed in their future from the beginning.
