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Three William Paterson University employees were among those honored by Governor Mikie Sherrill for their exceptional performance and service at a New Jersey State Employee Recognition Day (SERD) Award Ceremony in Trenton on May 6, 2026. The ceremony was held to recognize and honor state government employees for their outstanding contributions, a work ethic that inspires accomplishment, and their commitment to excellence in public service.
The three employees honored were Lydia Albuquerque, associate professor of nursing; DaRon Brown, assistant director of residence life; and Naa-Solo Terry, associate professor of public health.
“At William Paterson, our success is the result of the collective dedication and excellence of our talented faculty, staff, and administrators. These three colleagues are representative of everyone who is doing such great work on behalf of our students and their colleagues in every college, division, and office across campus, as well as in the surrounding communities they call home,” says President Richard J. Helldobler. “I am proud to see these particular members of our community recognized for their exceptional work and service to William Paterson and the State of New Jersey.”
The award recipients were chosen from a statewide pool of nominees based on the following criteria: outstanding effort, consistent quality performance, and contributions to the department/agency above and beyond the call of duty; innovative thinking, taking initiative, identifying organizational efficiencies, and effecting cost savings; a demonstrated commitment to the citizens of the State and the clients we serve; demonstrated willingness to share knowledge, teach others, and work as part of a team; and representing the State of New Jersey with the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
Lydia Albuquerque is a recipient of the Professional Achievement Award. Throughout her 41-year career, Albuquerque has exemplified leadership in nursing through a continuous focus on health equity, social justice, and research. As an associate professor and graduate nursing coordinator for WP Online, as well as an advanced practice provider at RWJBarnabas Health, Albuquerque’s work serves as a model for integrating academic scholarship with clinical advocacy. She has secured nearly $2 million in Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funding to support disadvantaged and minority nursing students, improving retention and workforce diversity. Her research advances inclusive, technology-enhanced education. Clinically, she has led initiatives improving cardiovascular and stroke prevention for more than 500 women and pioneered remote patient monitoring programs addressing social determinants of health in underserved communities. Her interdisciplinary care models reduced hospital readmissions and earned repeated Joint Commission certification. Nationally, she has shaped equity efforts through leadership roles with the American Nurses Association and other organizations. She is a fellow of multiple prestigious academies and recipient of the ANA Health Equity Award.
DaRon Brown is a recipient of the Community Service Award in recognition of his exceptional impact on the health, success, and retention of Black male students at William Paterson. While his formal role centers on supervising residence operations, he has become a vital mentor to students through the Black and Latino Male Initiative and his personal guidance of students in campus housing. Brown connects students with essential services, leading to increased engagement in health and mental‑health care. Known for his authenticity, accountability, and high expectations, he helps students build discipline and confidence and achieve academic success. His mentorship extends well beyond regular work hours, and he collaborates across departments to strengthen culturally responsive support systems. Students describe him as a role model, who genuinely cares, and someone who helps them grow by setting an example and helping students advance in their education and lives with a clear sense of purpose and direction, informed by a strong sense of pride in their identity.
Naa-Solo Tettey is a recipient of the Exceptional Service Award. Tettey exemplifies exceptional service through her sustained commitment to public health, education, and community engagement across New Jersey. As chair of the WP Department of Public Health and director of the master’s degree program in public health, she strengthens leadership systems, guides Council on Education for Public Health accreditation, and leads curriculum and practicum redesigns to enhance program quality. Her work has advanced institutional equity through her key governance roles. As second vice president of the New Jersey Public Health Association, she launched a mentorship initiative that connects students with public health professionals. Tettey also contributes to chronic disease prevention strategies through her service on the New Jersey Behavioral Risk Factor Survey Advisory Committee. Her community impact is especially strong in Bergen and Passaic counties. In 2012, she founded the HeartSmarts Cardiovascular Health Education Research Program, which delivers culturally responsive health education, including through the training of WP students and alumni as HeartSmarts Ambassadors and Community Health Educators. Her work has expanded access to preventive care, screenings, and health resources for underserved populations.
