JUDITH MATHEWS, PhD, RN
Dean
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of Nursing
Plainfield, New Jersey
Judith Mathews is responsible for the day-to-day and fiscal functioning of a school of nursing with over 500 students and faculty. Her nursing career includes practice, education and administration. Dr. Mathews provides leadership for the Schools of Nursing, Radiography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy. She exemplifies fairness in decision-making, and creates an advocacy atmosphere for students and faculty striving to challenge their minds and seek excellence in all that they do.
Dr. Mathews expects excellence from the faculty and students and sets the tone for quality education by supporting a budget that allows for enough faculty. Dr. Mathews meets with students during orientation telling them about her open door policy, the difficulties in studying nursing, the need to work hard and be active learners, while enumerating the different types of support that the School can provide. Judith has developed and implemented several programs involving faculty and students. Among these are “The Wisdom Connection” which utilizes retired nurses in New Jersey in a mentorship program for students, the Partnership in Nursing, which uses staff nurses as mentors for students and the Career Ladder for faculty which recognizes the talents of teaching staff. Judith has facilitated the Cooperative Nursing Program with Union County College to receive a Diploma in Nursing and Associate in Science Degree, enabling students to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
Ms. DiRienzo was instrumental in the development of the Career Ladder Program – LPN to RN, and as Career Ladder Program Coordinator had responsibility for its curriculum design as well as its implementation. In 1988, Justine assumed the Program Coordinator position at the school with responsibility for planning and implementing the program of studies, maintaining New Jersey Board of Nursing and National League for Nursing accreditation and overall NCLEX-RN success. To assist in this NCLEX task, Ms. DiRienzo designed a data collection and analysis system that was significant in accurately predicting NCLEX results and is still utilized to guide students in strengthening their success potential. She also developed and implemented an NCLEX-RN preparation program and a Professional Relations course that was presented throughout the school curriculum. Ms. DiRienzo oriented and mentored new faculty including 3 of her former students.
Ms. DiRienzo has many professional memberships, including the New Jersey League for Nursing (NJLN) and its parent organization, the National League for Nursing. She is a member of the NJLN Program Committee and is in her second term as a member of the Board of Directors. Ms. DiRienzo has also served as a member of the Convention Committee, as well as its Co-Chairperson for 2005 and 2006. Ms. DiRienzo’s participation on these committees has been a valuable asset to the organization. Her vision, philosophy and educational abilities have helped create continuing education programs for the NJLN and the New Jersey Nursing Convention. In addition, Justine has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to this organization and the nursing profession, steadfastly supporting the goals of NJLN through her efforts which has made a significant impact on the overall state-wide recognition and financial success of the New Jersey League for Nursing.