INFORMATION FOR
A first-generation college graduate, community leader, and award-winning public health professional, Nahshon Bolton ’18 embodies what it means to turn dedication into impact. Currently serving as a public health educator at Hackensack Meridian Health, he has built a career at the intersection of science, education, and service, bringing health knowledge directly to the communities that need it most.
From his early days at William Paterson University, where he emerged as a campus leader and advocate, to his current role shaping public health initiatives across New Jersey, Nahshon’s journey reflects a deep commitment to helping others move from where they are to where they can be.
A WP graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public health, Nahshon was honored to receive the 2025 Public Health Educator of the Year Award from the New Jersey Society of Public Health Education, one of the main public health organizations in New Jersey inclusive of all healthcare professions. He was also named to the 2024 Insider NJ African American Power List.
Tell us about your time at WP.
When I came to William Paterson in 2013, it was a major transition. Being away from my parents for the first time was truly eye-opening and required a great deal of dedication and personal growth. My parents and grandparents instilled the values of hard work, commitment, and accountability. I’m one of five children, and we were each encouraged to pursue our strengths and be the best in whatever field we chose. I served as vice president of the Student Government Association, which was the culmination of years of involvement in and leadership of clubs and activities, including Model UN. I also helped rebrand the Public Health Club into the Public Health Coalition to bring new energy and purpose to the group. William Paterson gave me the opportunity to cultivate my leadership skills—learning how to bring people together around a shared vision leading with the same accord, building buy-in, and working collectively toward meaningful goals. Between my classes and extracurricular involvement, WP opened countless doors and showed me that the sky truly is the limit.
What are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about helping people, plain and simple. If someone benefits from my work, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do. Whether it’s serving in soup kitchens, providing CPR training, or volunteering through my church, my goal is always the same: to leave people better than I found them. If someone is better today than they were yesterday because of me, that’s my goalpost. I don’t want to be on the sidelines. I want to be in the game, in the zone, contributing different skills and building alongside others. I enjoy being involved. I was the youngest elected chapter president of the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey, which focuses on creating positive change for the Caribbean population both in New Jersey and abroad. During my tenure, the organization partnered with the Hackensack City Council to rename a street “One Love Way” in honor of Bob Marley, built a Fallen Heroes Monument to recognize overlooked veterans, and organized backpack drives for city youth. I’ve also served as a youth advisor with the YMCA of Montclair. My work with young people continues to shape my commitment to mentorship and service.
What led you to become a public health educator, and how did WP prepare you?
I started out as a biology major because I loved science but also knew I was an extrovert. I enjoyed lab work but realized I was even more energized by explaining what I learned and making it accessible to others. I wanted to blend science, health, and human connection. Public health allowed me to do exactly that by breaking down complex topics like nutrition and disease prevention in ways people from any background can understand. While working at the Boys & Girls Club in Paterson, I was exposed to families facing very different realities. I constantly asked myself, “What’s best for this child? How can we help them get to college? Find a summer job? Stay engaged and not remain idle?” Holding young people accountable while supporting them proved to be incredibly fulfilling. My focus now is connecting organizations around the link between health and education because change has a domino effect, and I’m always thinking about who can be helped and how.
Who had the most significant impact on your journey at WP?
While my success is the result of many influences, one individual who had a profound impact on my time at William Paterson was Dr. Naa-Solo Tettey, associate professor of public health and director of the Master of Public Health Program. Her guidance and encouragement challenged me to think strategically and approach problems with confidence. Her passion for public health was inspiring, and it played a major role in deepening my own commitment to this field.
What is one challenge you faced and how you overcame it? What helped you grow the most?
One of my greatest challenges was becoming a state board member and chapter president of a statewide nonprofit at just 25 years old. Many members had dedicated over two decades to the organization, so naturally there was skepticism. I overcame this by focusing on consistent action and tangible results. Each milestone we reached together helped build trust and unity. I also stepped into multiple roles when needed, often filling gaps until positions were officially filled. That experience taught me the importance of servant leadership—showing commitment not just through words, but through sustained effort.
What’s your advice for for future graduates?
William Paterson gives you the freedom to enhance your college experience by creating a club. If you have an idea and students who believe in it, start a club, build a movement, and make an impact no matter the area of interest—from gardening and sustainability to public health and the arts. Get involved. In a short amount of time, with creativity and imagination, you can develop your crafts, strengthen your leadership skills, and leave a real mark on your campus and community. Once you graduate, build upon that novelty of thought.
