Johnson & Johnson Investment Expanding Nursing Education at Rutgers–Camden
Future nurses at Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden will soon have greater access to cutting-edge clinical training and new scholarship opportunities thanks to a $300,000 investment from Johnson & Johnson.
The contribution will enhance the school's simulation learning environment with advanced technologies and establish the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden Johnson & Johnson Scholarship, which will provide five $10,000 scholarships to nursing students, helping ease the financial burden of earning a degree and opening doors to careers in nursing.
In recognition of Johnson & Johnson's investment and longstanding commitment to nursing education, the school's simulation facilities will be renamed the Johnson & Johnson Nursing Simulation Lab, marking the first naming opportunity in the history of the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden.
Rutgers University–Camden and Johnson & Johnson recently commemorated the investment during a dedication ceremony celebrating the newly enhanced lab facilities. The event highlighted the longstanding partnership and shared investment in educational innovation and improving health outcomes for communities throughout New Jersey.
“Simulation-based education provides a safe and highly effective environment where students can learn, practice, refine, and build confidence before entering the real world,” said Donna Nickitas, dean of the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden.
“Thanks to Johnson & Johnson's extraordinary generosity and vision, our students will have access to advanced, high-fidelity patient simulators in enhanced electronic medical records training systems, innovative and AI-enabled simulation technologies, and a new pharmacology learning environment,” Nickitas continued. “These investments will directly strengthen the educational experience and ensure our graduates are prepared to meet the healthcare challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Adam Taliaferro, director of state and community engagement at Johnson & Johnson and a Rutgers Law School alumnus, said the investment reflects the company's longstanding commitment to supporting nurses and strengthening the healthcare workforce. He noted that the collaboration will expand opportunities for future nurses while helping meet the evolving healthcare needs of communities across New Jersey.
“For Johnson & Johnson, championing nursing is part of who we are,” Taliaferro said. “Since 1897, we have recognized that healthcare only works because nurses bring together expertise, compassion, leadership, and the ability to meet some of the most urgent patient needs. Through J&J CareCommunity, which is our global social impact platform, we continue that commitment by supporting education, clinical training, leadership development, and innovation for nurses and community health workers.”
Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Dennis J. Shields emphasized the critical role simulation-based learning plays in preparing the next generation of nurses and highlighted the Johnson & Johnson partnership as a powerful investment in educational innovation, student opportunity, and New Jersey's healthcare workforce.
“The impact of this investment will extend far beyond this space,” Shields said. “It will be reflected in every student whose education is enhanced, every graduate whose confidence is strengthened, and every patient and family who benefits from the care they received. On behalf of Rutgers University–Camden, I want to extend our thanks to Johnson & Johnson for your partnership, your generosity, and your belief in our students.”
Before guests were invited to tour the upgraded facilities, New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald offered a few words, reflecting on the importance of nursing, the power of human connection, and the opportunities created for students.
“You’ve chosen an honorable profession,” Greenwald said, speaking directly to the aspiring nurses in the room. “You will get experiences from the most joyous times in the birth of the child for a family, to the end stages of life and dealing with people with grace and dignity as their life comes to an end in this world.
“This is a profession that has never been more in need. With the advancement in technology and AI, the one thing that cannot be replaced is the human connection you will provide to patients and what it means to them.”
As the program concluded and guests prepared to explore the newly dedicated labs, the significance of the moment was evident. More than a celebration of a transformative gift, the event underscored a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening nursing education, and preparing future nurses to meet the evolving needs of their communities for years to come.
“Together, Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden and Johnson & Johnson are advancing a shared vision, a vision of a future where every community has access to exceptional nursing care, where innovation strengthens education and practice, and where the next generation of nurses is empowered to lead meaningful change in healthcare,” Nickitas said.
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Please consider making a gift to support the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden Scholarship Fund.
Photos from the celebration of the partnership between Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden and Johnson & Johnson on August 12, 2026. Photos by John O'Boyle.
