Impact in Education: Therese Mathews, PhD

Therese Mathews, PhD, will be the recipient of the Inspirational Mentor of Educators Award at the Impact in Education Awards March 6. The award honors an individual who has provided exceptional mentorship to junior faculty or trainees in their development as health professions educators.

• Name: Therese Mathews, PhD
• Title: Associate professor, UNMC College of Nursing.
• Joined UNMC: July 2006
• Hometown: Prague, Nebraska

You’re the winner of the Inspirational Mentor of Educators Award. How have mentors inspired you?

I have been fortunate to have numerous exceptional mentors throughout my education and professional career as both a nurse and a psychologist. The mentors who inspired me most were those who demonstrated a genuine commitment to the growth and development of their mentees. Beyond intellectual excellence, these individuals were humble, diligent, respectful and fair, and they listened attentively to those they guided. They consistently modeled the values they taught — demonstrating integrity, professionalism and compassion in both their personal and professional lives. Their ability to “walk the talk” established them as consummate role models and profoundly shaped my own approach to mentorship and education.

Describe your proudest moment as an educator.

My proudest moment as an educator was when a struggling student graduated from the UNMC College of Nursing and passed their certification exam on the first attempt. The student struggled both academically and professionally in the first two years of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. During those years, this student required extensive support, remediation and honest feedback. Initially, this level of accountability was not well received. However, through persistence, structure and encouragement, the student progressed and achieved both graduation and certification. That moment was especially meaningful when I was the first person the student contacted after learning of the exam results — an affirmation that the challenging but supportive mentoring relationship had made a lasting impact.

What advice would you give other faculty members who want to make an impact on education?

Faculty who wish to make a meaningful impact must recognize that each student is an individual with unique learning styles, backgrounds and life circumstances. While our students at UNMC are held to high academic and professional standards, many are also navigating complex personal responsibilities — such as parenting young children, caring for aging family members or managing their own health challenges. Maintaining rigorous expectations while providing respectful, individualized support is essential. Effective education is grounded in genuine care and empathy. Ultimately, the focus must remain on the student’s success.

Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy on teaching?

“If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain.

“If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees.

“If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people.”
— Chinese proverb