New Nursing Department Chair at Nashua Community College

With more than 30 years in the field, Theresa Williams, MS, RN brings her experience and passion for teaching to her new position as head of the nursing associate in science program at Nashua Community College.

“I always wanted to teach. As a nurse, part of your role is teaching your patients, and I get such great satisfaction in seeing the outcome,” said Williams. “Whether it’s seeing the patient or the student have that ‘aha’ moment, it’s very rewarding. You can’t get much better than that.”

Williams earned her BS and MS from Boston College, and launched her career in medical/surgical nursing, then moved into rehabilitation at Hebrew Rehab in Boston. From there, she served as director of an Alzheimer’s facility in Framingham, Mass. before moving to her current home in Merrimack.

“I moved to Merrimack and was Health Services Coordinator at Langdon Place before I had my twins - who are now 21,” she said. Following a period of part-time work and per diem home care, Williams returned to full-time as the Client Services Director at Living at Home Senior Care in Amherst, NH.

In 2008, she came on board at NCC as a lab assistant, and became a full-time nursing faculty member in 2013. In early 2019, Williams became interim department chair, and was appointed to the permanent position in summer 2019.

The department also welcomes new faculty this fall, Williams said, “Cathy Allen, who has a background in geriatrics and is a former nursing home administrator; and Erin Beck, a medical surgical nurse specializing in gastroenterology/endoscopy and also taught at Manchester Community College. Our new adjunct faculty Lisa Fowler has a background in homecare and pediatrics.”

Returning faculty include Lisa Gray, whose clinical expertise is in maternal health and also teaches medical surgical nursing, and Tyler Waite, who specializes in pediatrics and teaches fundamentals and mental health. Nursing executive secretary Terri Szugda continues to be a vital asset to the program.

NCC nursing is a rigorous 2-year associate in science curriculum that prepares students for the NCLEX exam. Nursing alumni have gone on to many career paths and specialties. “Some students have gone on to work at rehab hospitals, long-term care, and clinical sites like Southern New Hampshire Medical, some are in ambulatory care, and doctor’s offices,” said Williams.

Currently, there is nearly a full freshman class with 21 students, and 13 seniors.

To learn more about the nursing program at NCC sign up for a free information session at: nashuacc.edu/admissions/information-sessions, or browse details online at nashuacc.edu/admissions/nursing-admissions, or contact admissions at 603.578.8908 or nashua@ccsnh.edu.

Prospective nursing students can apply now for fall 2020.

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