FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2003
CONTACT: Faith Jackson
Office of University Relations
(908) 737-3410

Kean Dean Presented with Nursing Education Award

UNION, N.J. — Dr. Betty W. Barber, dean of Kean University’s College of Natural, Applied and Health Sciences, was honored with the Nursing Education Award of 2002 from The Mid-State Black Nurses Association (MBNA) of New Jersey. The MBNA is a vital professional organization that advocates meeting the needs of African-American and other minority patients.

Each year, MBNA presents awards in several categories to individuals who have made a significant impact on the health-care profession or in the community. Barber’s award was presented in recognition of her achievements as a nurse educator and leader. "This year, we decided that Dr. Barber most deserved this award because she has fostered nursing education and the development of a culturally sensitive nursing curriculum at Kean," said Zola J. Surratt, president of the MBNA of New Jersey. "We were also impressed by the repertoire of nurses who credit Barber with contributing to their professional development. With such a shortage of minority nurses entering the field, this kind of leadership is very significant."

Upon receiving the award, Barber said, "As a black educator and administrator, I am most proud of the opportunities I have had to serve as a role model and mentor for nursing students, so it’s humbling to be honored by the MBNA of New Jersey, which is to be especially commended for its outstanding work in recruiting, mentoring and providing scholarships for minority students."