Amber Kujath '97 to Lead Illinois Wesleyan School of Nursing
Dec. 12, 2022
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Amber S. Kujath '97 has been selected as the new director of Illinois Wesleyan University's School of Nursing, effective Jan. 3, 2023.
"Dr. Kujath has received numerous accolades for her excellence as a nurse, an educator and a leader, and we're fortunate to bring her considerable talents to Illinois Wesleyan University," said IWU Provost Mark Brodl. "Additionally, her passion to eliminate health disparities in all areas of nursing resonates with our University’s commitment to social justice, and it also aligns with the interests of today's nursing students."
Kujath is currently an associate professor for the College of Nursing at Rush University in Chicago. She previously taught and served as a research specialist and research assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her clinical experience includes more than 15 years at medical centers in Bloomington and Chicago.
After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1997 with a bachelor of science in nursing and a bachelor’s in business administration, Kujath earned a master of science in nursing and a doctorate of philosophy in nursing from University of Illinois at Chicago.
"I'm filled with gratitude that my 25 years of practice, education and teaching have led me back to Illinois Wesleyan where I started my nursing journey,” said Kujath. “I'm excited to work with the faculty, staff and community to continue shaping the future of nursing and healthcare. Our graduates will impact the nursing profession and the health of our communities, country and world."
Her areas of expertise include orthopedics, diabetes and pathophysiology. Her scholarship focuses chiefly on musculoskeletal conditions, including bone and mineral deposition, osteoporosis and lifestyle factors. She has been involved with the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, currently serving as the National Executive Board President; and is also on the editorial board and a research reviewer for Orthopaedic Nursing Journal. She is also a past president of the Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board. Kujath has served as an orthopaedic nursing legal consultant for various firms across the country.
In 2019, Kujath was honored as the Rush University College of Nursing Education MVP and was recognized for Distinguished Service to the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses. Previous honors include the 40 under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award from the Illinois Nurses Association, National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses Foundation Leadership Award, and the Nurse Educator Fellowship Award from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
She succeeds Victoria N. Folse '86, who became president of Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin in July 2022. Jerry D. Durham, who was director of the IWU School of Nursing from 1986-1990, is serving as interim director.