Laura Mathews appointed Program Director of Nursing at JWCC
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
John Wood Community College has named Laura Mathews as its new Program Director of Nursing, recognizing her longstanding commitment to nursing education and her leadership within the college’s Health Sciences division.
Mathews began her nursing career in 2011 after earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from Hannibal-LaGrange University. She served as a Registered Nurse at SSM Health St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lake St. Louis before completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing. She joined JWCC as an adjunct instructor in 2013 and transitioned to a full-time faculty role after earning her Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2016. She most recently served as Assistant Professor of Health Sciences.
Over the past decade, Mathews has played an important role in shaping JWCC’s nursing curriculum, leading efforts in program review, assessment, and quality improvement. Her appointment marks a continuation of her work to elevate academic standards and student outcomes.
“Laura’s experience as a registered nurse brings a valuable real-world perspective to our program,” said Matt Carey, Dean of Business, Allied Health, and Public Services, in a JWCC release. “Her dedication to assessing student learning and fostering continuous improvement ensures that our students receive innovative, relevant, and high-quality educational experiences.”
In her new role, Mathews will oversee the nursing program’s alignment with Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) standards and serve as the primary liaison with Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences, which partners with JWCC to offer the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree. She will also coordinate with regional healthcare providers to strengthen community partnerships.
“I am deeply passionate about empowering students to reach their fullest potential—not only by mastering essential nursing skills, but by developing the empathy and compassion that define exceptional patient care,” Mathews said in the same JWCC release. “My goal is to guide and support the nursing department in preparing professional, confident, and ethical nurses who will strengthen healthcare in our community.”
