The luncheon keynote speaker will be his College of Nursing colleague Charlotte Thomas-Hawkins, assistant professor at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Atkins, assistant professor, is being recognized for his research on the effect of stress in the home and neighborhood environment influence on the health and development of children and adolescents.
"I am honored that my work and research have been recognized by the nursing community," said Atkins, a Cherry Hill, N.J. resident. "I am very pleased that the Concerned Black Nurses of Newark believe my research has contributed to the improvement of New Jersey youth's health."
Atkins, a former school nurse, has an extensive record of community service. He is co-founder and president of the STARR program (Sports Teaching Adolescents Responsibility and Resiliency), a community-based youth development program and co-founder and director of Healthy Futures for Camden Youth, a public health initiative which is affiliated with Rutgers University.
From its headquarters at Rutgers Newark, Rutgers College of Nursing offers a broad range of academic programs on all three Rutgers campuses. The college offers a master's program with unique practitioner specialties and the first to offer a doctoral (Ph.D) nursing degree in New Jersey.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Robert Atkins, a Rutgers College of Nursing faculty member, is a Cherry Hill, N.J. resident. His photo is available at http://nursing.rutgers.edu/media/Ratkinsphoto2005provostshot.pdf