Contact the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions
Dr. Ruth A. Wittmann-Price
Dean
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2023
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degrees:
- Ph.D. in Nursing, Widener University
- M.S., Columbia University
- BSN, Felician College
Dr. Ruth A. Wittmann-Price is dean of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions. Prior to this role she was a professor of nursing and undergraduate chair for the Jefferson College of Nursing (JCN) Center City undergraduate programs. Wittmann-Price was the founding dean of Health Sciences for Francis Marion University, S.C., and developed many healthcare programs including an MSN and DNP in nursing, a physician assistant, Healthcare Administration and a Speech-Language Pathology Program.
Wittmann-Price has been a women’s health nurse for more than 40 years and has been teaching for more than 20 years. She developed a midrange nursing theory “Emancipated Decision Making in Women’s Health Care” and has tested her theory in four studies. The theory recognizes that oppression continues to exist in the healthcare setting and is imposed by society for purposes of situational control effecting the decisions women make about healthcare for themselves and their families. The theory is referenced in multiple books and is being used in Asia, Africa, British Columbia, Brazil, Bogota, United Kingdom and Canada.
Dr. Lorraine M. Chewey
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2023
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degrees:
- Ed.D. in Nursing Education, Columbia University
- M.S., New Jersey City University
- BSN, Seton Hall University
Dr. Lorraine Chewey, associate dean of Undergraduate Programs in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions, noted, "I am delighted to be a part of your nursing education journey. We have an incredible team of nursing faculty, advisors, mentors and support staff to nurture and support our students. We are committed to our mission and work hard to provide students with an excellent learning experience." Chewey's role is to promote and maintain an optimal learning environment for students and ensure that the School is responsive to students educational and career needs. "I sincerely hope that your time at TESU is positive, productive and stimulates a lifetime love of learning," Chewey added.
Maureen Clark-Gallagher, M.S., RN
Assistant Dean/Director of Distance Learning
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2016
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degrees:
- M.S., Pace University
- B.S., Pace University
Maureen Clark-Gallagher, assistant dean/director of Distance Learning, noted, "Congratulations on continuing your education! I am certified in distance learning, have years of nursing experience (clinical, administrative and nursing education) and, prior to this position, I was a mentor for the School for eight years. I have the pleasure of working with your mentors and the rest of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions staff to ensure that your courses run smoothly."
Clark-Gallagher is the acting president of Region 4 of the New Jersey State Nurses Association as well as the treasurer of Upsilon Rho, which is the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing Chapter of Sigma (the International Honor Society of Nursing).
"I trust you are finding that distance learning meets your needs, both professionally and personally. If I can help you in any way, please feel free to email me," Clark-Gallagher added.
Dr. Dawn Alerassool
Assistant Dean of the Accelerated BSN Program
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2014
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degrees:
- DNP in Healthcare Systems Leadership, Chamberlain University
- MSN in Healthcare Systems Management, Loyola University
- BSN, Old Dominion University
Dr. Dawn Alerassool, assistant dean of the Accelerated BSN Program, noted, "We are very happy to be a part of your nursing education. My goal is to promote optimal learning and outcomes by supporting our amazing students and expert nursing faculty. We hope that your time at TESU leads to a spirit of inquiry and lifelong learning."
Margaret (Maggie) Ciocco
Nursing Program Advisor
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2014
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degrees:
- M.S. in Nursing, Syracuse University
- BSN, Seton Hall University
- AAS in Nursing, Ocean County College
Maggie Ciocco, nursing program advisor, works with BSN, AAS in health studies/nursing and the provisional BSN students. Ciocco noted, "I look forward to working with you as you plan for courses or credit options that will help you reach the goal of earning your BSN. Please feel free to schedule an advisement appointment or email your questions to nursing@tesu.edu. I congratulate you as you begin your journey, work toward your goal or reach the pinnacle of success."
Holly Leahan
Nursing Program Advisor
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2009
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degrees:
- MSN, Drexel University
- BSN, Drexel University
- B.S. in Sports Medicine, Northeastern University
Holly Leahan, nursing program advisor, works with RN-BSN, RN-BSN/MSN and MSN students. Leahan noted, "I am here to assist you with course planning as you work toward completing your degree. I am also here to address any questions or concerns you may have relating to final MSN Practicum courses and end of program requirements. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. I look forward to assisting you with your academic needs."
Jenna Shuberda
Nursing Program Advisor
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2018
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degrees:
- B.A. in Biology, Georgian Court University
Jenna Shuberda, a nursing advisor, noted, "I look forward to working with the undergraduate nursing students in achieving their BSNs here at TESU. Please feel free to schedule an advising appointment with me, so we can start working together to achieve your educational and career goals."
Carol Blauth
Academic Support Coordinator
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2020
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degree:
- MSN, Villanova University
- BSN, LaSalle University
- B.S. in Biological Sciences, Chestnut Hill College
Carol Blauth, academic support coordinator for the on-ground Accelerated BSN Program, has many years of experience in nursing and nursing education. Her role is to work with the Accelerated BSN students who require assistance with understanding the concepts they are studying in the nursing program. The assistance may be in a variety of formats, all leading to a more in-depth understanding of patient needs and the role of the nurse in meeting those needs. Blauth also works with students to help them organize their studying and with test taking strategies. "If you need my assistance, I am only an email away," Blauth noted.
Jessica Keefe
Nursing Program Administrator
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2023
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degree:
- B.S. in Psychology, Holy Family University
- A.A. in Liberal Arts, Suffolk County Community College
Jessica Keefe, nursing program administrator, noted, "I am excited to assist in your nursing education. I work closely with the Accelerated BSN Program professors, deans and students from interview to pinning. Looking forward to meeting you."
Casey Kennette
Grant Manager
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2019
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degree:
- M.A. in Elementary Education, The College of New Jersey
- B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, Rutgers University
Casey Kennette is the grant manager for the Department of Labor Nursing Expansion Grant at the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions. This grant is dedicated to expanding mental health nursing pathways in high needs geographic areas in New Jersey. Specifically, the School is working to increase the number of psychiatric mental health RNs, nurse practitioners and nurse preceptors. Kennette noted, "I work closely with students and prospects at all degree levels, helping them achieve success in their nursing careers at Thomas Edison State University. If you have any questions or need any help, please let me know."
Kim MacAvoy-Sorochen
Clinical Education Coordinator
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2020
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degree:
- MSN, Thomas Edison State University
- BSN, Thomas Edison State University
- A.S. in Nursing, Middlesex County College
- B.A. in Biological Sciences, Rutgers University
Kim MacAvoy-Sorochen, clinical educator and simulation laboratory coordinator for the on-ground experiences in the Accelerated BSN Program, noted, "My role is to support the Accelerated BSN Program educators and students in their clinical settings and augment experiences in the simulation lab. We have close relationships with several local hospitals to provide students with a variety of experiences in the real-world setting. The simulation lab boasts seven high-fidelity simulators including a birthing mother, a junior and a baby to provide additional unique experiences. If I can be of any help, please reach out via email."
Janet McGuire
Assistant to the Dean
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2013
Phone: 609-633-6460
Degree:
- B.A. in Art History, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Janet McGuire, assistant to the Dean of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions, noted, "My primary responsibilities include supporting the dean with managing appointments, correspondence, travel arrangements and special projects. I would be happy to help you in any way that I can and wish you the best of luck."
Rachael Moorefield
Administrative Assistant
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2021
Phone: 609-633-6460
Rachael Moorefield is assistant to the Dean at the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions. Her primary responsibilities are in compliance for the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Moorefield noted, "If you need any assistance, I would be more than happy to help. Good luck on your endeavors here at Thomas Edison State University."