Solomon-Duarte Appointed Diversity Coordinator for the School of Nursing

 The $600,000 federal grant is being used to recruit and prepare minority nurse educators in online education and to develop a collaborative network of diverse nurse faculty members to enhance nursing programs nationwide. Solomon-Duarte responsibilities includes recruitment and selection of program participants (minority educators to be trained in online pedagogy); preparation and coordination of the annual distinguished lectureship; and development of an online minority nurse educator directory/database.

 In making the announcement, School of Nursing Dean Susan O’Brien, said, “Jovita has the kind of nursing experiences that we need to promote diversity in nursing — we are delighted to have her with us.” For the past 16 years, Solomon-Duarte has held positions in nursing management, staff development and education. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Cum Laude) from University of Pangasinan, Philippines; and Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner focus (with honors) from Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J. She holds national certifications in Pediatric Critical Care Nursing by American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor by American Heart Association (AHA).

 Solomon-Duarte is an active community nurse leader and educator. She is an adjunct faculty at Trinitas School of Nursing evening and weekend division; an executive board member and chairman, Education and Practice Committee of the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey (PNANJ) and vice president of Communications, Region 4, New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA).

 “I’m surrounded by dedicated and passionate colleagues who are concerned about the future of nurses and nursing education,” said Solomon-Duarte. “I’m very proud to be part of a great team.”

 Solomon-Duarte noted that she has a profound commitment to diversity and the unique needs of disenfranchised diverse populations. She is a past recipient of numerous academic and clinical awards, and a past scholar and mentee of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses Association (NCEMNA).

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