Barbara J. Patterson

Barbara J. Patterson, PhD, ANEF, FAAN, is the Interim Dean of Widener University's School of Nursing and Director of the Nursing PhD Program. She holds the rank of Professor and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Nursing Education Perspectives. Her roles include chairing the Institutional Review Board and teaching qualitative research and nursing science in doctoral programs.

Education: PhD in Nursing Science (University of Rhode Island), MSN (University of Southern Maine), BSN (D'Youville College), and diploma in nursing (Millard Fillmore Hospital School of Nursing).

Research focuses on leadership in nursing education, evidence-based teaching, veteran students in nursing programs, and gender diversity in education. Notable works include a Sigma Capstone Award-winning book on veteran-centered care and studies on nurse administrators' pandemic responses.

Professional accolades include FAAN Fellowship (2019), Distinguished University Professor (2015), and Widener’s Outstanding Researcher Award (2012). She contributes to national initiatives through the National League for Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Advising and grants: Leads doctoral dissertation advising and reviews research grants for nursing education. Collaborates on projects addressing veteran healthcare integration and leadership development in nursing education.

Labs/Teams: Active in Widener’s nursing doctoral program administration and interdisciplinary research teams focused on educational innovation and veteran healthcare.