University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Professor Deborah J. Mattheus of the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing (NAWSON) has been inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). She was recognized for her transformative work in oral health and school health, including the Hawaiʻi Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn Program, which addresses health disparities among children living in the state.
“I am honored to be selected for FAAN and to be recognized among the nation’s nurse leaders in education, management, practice and research,” said Mattheus. “I am blessed to have had the opportunity to be mentored by several innovative, passionate nursing leaders, and each person has given me critical guidance that has shaped my career, inspired me to embrace innovation, and to remind me of the importance of life balance. I believe in living life to the fullest, while always focusing on making a difference along the way which is one of the reasons for choosing nursing as my career.”
The American Academy of Nursing is composed of approximately 2,900 nursing leaders in education, management, practice and research. Induction into the academy is a significant milestone in which past and current accomplishments are honored by colleagues within and outside the profession.
“Deborah’s tireless passion and commitment to improving health outcomes for Hawaiʻi youth is an example of how one person’s dedication can truly make an impact for many,” said Professor Holly B. Fontenot, research director for the department of nursing. “For the past decade, she implemented innovative programs that provide critical health services and education for rural and underserved populations. Deborah is a visionary and exemplary nurse leader. She represents the ideals of AAN Fellows.”
Mattheus has more than 30 years of experience as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and more than a decade of experience as a nursing educator. She has been with NAWSON since 2014 and was promoted to professor this year. She earned her PhD from UH Mānoa, her master of science in nursing from Simmons College in Massachusetts and her bachelor of science in nursing from American International College in Massachusetts. She is an advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.
She joins a prestigious group of UH Mānoa nursing faculty members as Academy Fellows:
- Mary G. Boland (retired)
- Katherine Finn Davis
- Holly B. Fontenot
- Debra Mark (retired)
- Stephanie Marshall (retired)
- Kristine Qureshi (retired)
- Alice M. Tse
