Dr. Judith Jones, Vice President, Higher-Ed Vice Consultants, LLC, has a significant background in academia and healthcare.

In higher education, Judy has broad experience in program development, accreditation, quality education, and regulatory affairs. She was the inaugural Director of Nursing at Alma College. She was the Dean of Nursing and Chief Health Officer at a major university in Michigan, where she oversaw the development of several programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Master of Public Health programs. She restructured the RN to BSN program to promote maximum efficiency and enhance retention. Judy ensured that new program start-ups received initial and full approval from the board of nursing and accreditation through CCNE. She also developed a healthcare clinic in partnership with a local healthcare facility.

In addition to her leadership roles, Judy has served as faculty at several universities. She enjoys interactions with students as they are a subtle reminder of the excitement and struggles of growing within the nursing profession. She has accompanied students on mission trips to Jordan (caring for refugees) and Costa Rica (caring for the economically disadvantaged). She is strongly committed to contributing to the nursing profession by educating students in a caring manner.

Judy is also a Caritas Coach. She obtained this certificate from the Jean Watson Institute of Caring Science and is currently taking courses in Caritas Leadership. Judy is skilled in developing a caring curriculum and culture and building consensus relationships.

Judy has 40-plus years of experience in nursing as a bedside nurse, educator, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, and director of nursing. As a nurse practitioner, Judy has worked in various settings in the hospital (hospitalist) and community (Holistic Health, Post-Acute, Long-Term care, Homeless). Judy worked with the disadvantaged populations to provide and ensure access to healthcare. As an advocate for care, she secured grant funding to provide care to disadvantaged populations in Southeast Michigan.

Judy has a Diploma (RN) from St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing, a BSN from Mercy College of Detroit, and a DNP and MSN from Oakland University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. program and is also enrolled in a Post-Doc Scholar program with the renowned nursing theorist Dr. Jean Watson.

Judy enjoys qualitative research and has explored the meaning of the hospital gown for post-operative cardiac bypass patients. She has been involved in research concerning diet, exercise, and self-efficacy for young adults. Her current research focuses on using Artificial Intelligence – Digital Images to give voice and language to the caring experience. Judy is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Judy was awarded a scholarship from Sigma Theta Tau for her work with qualitative research.